It was reported today that Peter Forsberg will be practicing with the Colorado Avalanche, starting with the Saturday skate before the Avalanche game versus the Boston Bruins. No contracts have been signed, as of yet, and it seems that this is a way for Forsberg to test whether or not he is physically able to make another attempt at returning to the NHL.
Admittedly, when I first saw this reported I nearly jumped out of my chair; but there are so many questions that come along with this. It's important to try and look at all the pros and cons.
Pro:
The return of Peter Forsberg would mean amazing things for the energy level in the Pepsi Center. Forsberg is associated with the golden age of the Colorado Avalanche, and some excitement would immediately return to the building. If you watched the Avs last game, against Nashville, you probably noticed the absolute lack of any crowd noise. Just Forsberg's name would bring that buzz back to the Pepsi Center.
Con:
How much would this really help? Other than getting fans back in the seats, the Avs are still a team that is in the process of rebuilding. Sure, they have a lot of talent, but are the Avalanche really Stanley Cup contenders, even if Forsberg is able to make a return? At the moment the Avs are desperately fighting to maintain a spot in the playoffs. Sure, more excitement might return, but this might not amount to much more than a little bit of lightning in a bottle. Flashy and bright, but not very long lasting.
Just some of the amazing Highlights in Peter Forsberg's Colorado Career
Pro:
Imagine the affect that Forsberg could have on some of the younger players. Matt Duchene watched Forsberg play with the Avs when he was a kid, can you imagine how much he'll learn about the game by playing with him? It could be off the charts. Plus, veteran leadership is something that the Avs are hurting for at the moment. It's no secret that the Avs are a young team, and that youth is starting to show up in mass turnovers and poor defensive play. Forsberg could be a great teacher to many of the players on this team.
Con:
Forsberg's own body. Forsberg's career has been tragically short. He was on pace to have one of the truly great careers in hockey history, but he has been unable to get over that nagging foot injury that has had multiple surgeries. Couple that with the Avs horrible luck with player injuries right now, and it is one of those situations where it's almost like the hockey gods are just toying with us. Who's to say Forsberg wouldn't get on the ice and get hurt again?
Pro:
It really wouldn't cost the Avs that much. Forsberg's presence alone has demanded large contracts in the past. Even back in 2007-2008, when he tried his last come back, he still earned a pretty penny. The Avs salary cap, however, is one that could have handled multiple versions of that insane Kovalchuk contract that New Jersey is currently stuck with. I wonder how that's working out. At any rate, price is definitely NOT an issue when it comes to getting Forsberg signed.
3316419_crop_340x234 Peter The Great, working his magic
Brian Bahr/Getty Images
Con:
Time. We hear the name Peter Forsberg and immediately remember all of the amazing things that this guy was capable of. Even back in 07-08 he had an impact. In nine regular season games the guy had a goal and 13 assists. But can that realistically be expected of him at age 37 with a foot that has been operated on and injured more times than anybody can count? There's no doubt that Forsberg, when he was at his best, could play a mediocre game and still be better than most people's best games, but age has to take a toll at some point.
This is a very interesting situation in which we find ourselves. With all the injuries that have stung the Avs, especially recently, the Avs are desperate for somebody. If Forsberg feels that he could play, it wouldn't be that great a shock if the Avs took a shot with him. Sure, he's older, but you have to think that some of that magic that Peter The Great showcased throughout his brilliant, but all too short amount of time in Denver is still there.
It's very premature to speculate on what is going to happen, but this is one Avalanche fan who can't wait to hear whether or not we will see a return of Foppa to the Colorado ice.
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