Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Well, So Much For That ...


Mattias Norstrom has retired from the NHL.

The defensive defenseman called it quits today, thus ending my dreams of him returning to New York to solidify the Rangers' blueline.

A Scotty Hockey Hero, Norstrom played more than 900 games of nearly-impeccable defense. He goes down as a part of one of the worse trades in Rangers history, when he was traded with Nathan LaFayette, Ian Laperriere, Ray Ferraro and a draft pick in 1996 to the Los Angeles Kings for Marty McSorley, Jari Kurri and Shane Churla.

A great factoid from his Wiki:
He received much admiration in Sweden during the NHL Lockout in 2004–05 when he rejected to play with any other team than his original AIK Stockholm, no matter what salaries others where offering. The team was playing in the third tier league, struggling to advance, when Norstrom arrived just in time to help them through the playoffs and secure a spot in the second tier league the following year. Not only did he play for free, he also paid his own insurance during his time in AIK.

Is that a class act or what? He is going to return to Sweden to be with his family and told the AP he may become a carpenter. After building such a wonderful career over here, he is sure to have success in his next endeavour.

Best wishes Matty.

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