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saskhab
Morally Bankrupt Scum
Joined: 17 Oct 2007
Posts: 2508
Location: Saskatoon!
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 Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2007 2:03 pm Post subject: Walz leaves team; considers retirement |
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http://www.startribune.com/wild/story/1528356.html
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One of two original members still with the Wild (Marian Gaborik is the other), Walz is the team's all-time leader with 438 games played. His 82 goals and 182 points rank second to Gaborik.
A tremendous-skating checker, Walz has been a heart-and-soul leader, a positive influence on up-and-comers such as Mikko Koivu and Brent Burns.
In 2002-03, Walz was a Selke Trophy (NHL's best defensive forward) finalist, and that was before a marvelous playoff in which he scored seven goals and shut down stars such as Peter Forsberg.
But he's a proud player, and this season he hasn't seemed comfortable, scoring one goal (although it was a beauty in his hometown of Calgary) with three assists. He's also a minus-5, playing 13 minutes, 48 seconds a game (15th on the team).
In his last game, a 4-2 loss to Pittsburgh on Tuesday, Walz played against the Sidney Crosby-Evgeni Malkin juggernaut. The duo combined for seven points, Walz was on for two goals against and he was beaten on 13 of 16 faceoffs.
Not wanting to make a long-term offer in case of retirement or career-ending injury, Risebrough re-signed Walz to a one-year deal worth $1.4 million (including bonuses). The unused cap hit would be erased if Walz retires.
Walz has considered retirement during the past three offseasons. And after last season, Walz admitted he was disappointed at his playoff performance.
In April 2006, Walz said: "I don't think I'm going to be one of those guys who's going to hang on and they're going to cut my skates off. I enjoy coming to the rink. I love competing. But there's more to life than hockey."
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He's a class act all the way, and if Gabroik is the team's heart, Walz is the soul. I'd hope he sticks around in a non-playing capacity if he feels its time to walk away from playing the game.
Michael Russo, a Wild reporter for the Star-Tribune, has one of the better blogs out there, especially from a traditional media source. Here's his take:
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But with the Wild off after tonight until Sunday’s game in Denver, I think we’ll hear from Walz soon — whether he announces his retirement or says he’s thoroughly refreshed and ready to return.
He’s an emotional player who has contemplated retirement before. After taking some days away from the game to clear his head, he’s always decided to stay.
This might be different though. He’s never left the team in the middle of the season, and from talking to people that know him, if he doesn’t feel he can play at the highest level, he’d walk away at peace.
Walz has been an important fixture inside that Wild dressing room since Day One. He’s as respected as any player I’ve ever covered and has laid some deep roots here.
If he walks away, there’s no doubt he’ll be missed by teammates and fans alike. And like I say, it’s still if. As far as I know, he’s still considering it. We haven’t heard from him directly yet, and I did let him know last night that I was planning to write this. |
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Bosc Ulrich II
OTP Resident Historian
Joined: 18 Oct 2007
Posts: 2496
Location: Your own blue line!
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| Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2007 2:12 pm Post subject: |
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I don't remember much of him in a Detroit uniform, considering he only played 2 games in it. He also went to play in the Swiss league for years after that, returning in 2000. I do remember him in the 02-03 playoffs, and he was amazing.
Like you said Sask, a class act and hopefully he finds himself back in the NHL in some capacity.
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