a pretty well-sourced independent Detroit sports media outlet is reporting Hank is hanging up his skates

apparently his back isnt even well enough to be cleared even tho he has a 3 year ironman streak.

after his injury in 2014 he was never the same, even tho he stayed very good. dont remember exactly why he bacame my favorite player as soon as Sergei left but he did. His battles with Toews, Getzlaf, and Crosby were the best part of hockey for me for like 10 years.

he deserved at least 2 more Selke's imo, and probably 1 Hart, but thats ok. Kinda had to see him to understand anyways

His back has been touch and go for years as you know and he has always been willing to take tough assignments. Superb two-way player, understated and underrated even though he was a star. What an offseason for Sweden, first losing the Sedins and now Hank. He and Datsyuk were such a rare mix of function and style, very few players as complete and skilled as those two.

not sure what they're gonna do there

I am not a big fan of giving it to a guy just because he has experience and especially if they aren't going to be there for long. I guess Green or Franzen are both guys who will be there a while but they still aren't thrilling choices. Larkin seems like someone who could hang onto it for a while. I've always liked Abdelkader, if they are going to give it to a guy who wore an A I'd probably chose him over Kronwall, who is pretty washed now.

apparently needs to tighten it up a little off the ice

Abdelkader was assumed to be the next one but his play has fallen off considerably

Conference realignment killed what had built (in Preds fans minds) a really strong rivalry, and he and PD were such thorns in our side.

Weber did him dirty in 2012 playoffs, still remorseful over that.

i guess all the auto plants and shit in the area brought in people from michigan. i dont mind the realignment however i thought chicago should have gone with them, put all the original six in one conference.

but it was because most of them were semi-offended that the Preds were daring to compete with the mighty Red Wings

and that Weber hit was bullshit. and then the Wings rolled over when no suspension came out. AND Howard was terrible after an awesome year.

He and Datsyuk were an all-time great 1-2 punch.

Really would have preferred they didn't lose to Pit in 2009 though lol

if Hossa does *anything*

Franzen repeatedly hammering the puck into Scuderi's skates in game 6

Fleury's once in a lifetime save in game 7

that one hurt