Can Chara Play Until 50?

[alko]

Never ending story. Every year the same. He is old, he is slow ... And he still plays in the ton ice-hockey league in the world, in one of the best teams, more that 20 minutes per game. How is that? Didnt the coach of Boston Bruins read HfBoards?​

 

[BlueDream]

No. Did you learn nothing from Jagr?

 

[Bruce Granville]

Sure, he is a late bloomer.
He might become faster, because slower is impossible.
So, why not?

 

[danpantz]

Pretty good Game 7 for a guy who’s “done” and “gets eaten alive”

Only trailed Morgan Reilly in ice-time.

 

[JustJokinenAround]

no. nobody can these days

 

[featherhawk]

No

 

[dtam83]

could he play to 50 yes, but I think he'll only be effective until 45ish

 

[Ice9]

Credit him with his degree of fitness but he WILL hit the wall and it WILL be ugly.

Time hates all of us...

 

[chauron]

Yes, but not in NHL level

 

[BenningHurtsMySoul]

Don’t think anyone ever will again.

The standard of fitness and speed is too high in today’s game. The hands and mind can keep up but the legs just won’t go with them.

 

[GaboriklessWild]

Chara is a proud athlete. He will not accept such a small role (10min/game) like Chelios did.

Chara will play until he is the best defensive defencemen of his team: No. 1 shutdown and PK dman.

 

[BruinsBtn]

Chara led all NHL defensemen in the first round of the playoffs with a +6. He was only on the ice for 3 even-strength goals against.

 

[b in vancouver]

Do people understand that being bigger and stronger than other people has always been a benefit in sports?

If I read one more time 'If he wasn't so big...' - but he is.
Have you tried to deke out a 6'9" defence man? Guys that are 6'4" 220lb are a pain and you know when they're on the ice (and I'm 6 foot) - trying to get around Chara would be a nightmare.

Saying he's only relevant because he's big is like saying Pat Kane is only good because he's fast. Ya, that's what makes them good.

 

[2ndGenIslander]

No

 

[b in vancouver]

Don’t think anyone ever will again.

The standard of fitness and speed is too high in today’s game. The hands and mind can keep up but the legs just won’t go with them.

Personally I think it's mostly mental fatigue. It just gets difficult to keep focused once your in your 40s day in day out - even if you love what you do. That spark that drives you gets tougher to find. - injuries aside.
- not to say you don't lose ability, speed and core strength - just that a lot of great players could've played to 50 if they accepted a more limited role and held onto their urgency.

 

[Albatros]

Slovak lower leagues sure.