Most people were shocked when the Bruins signed 39 year old Brian Gionta to a contract just a few Days ago. Some even tried to ridicule the Bruins move. But after 2 games Gionta has put up 3 Points, showing everybody that he wasn't done and still belongs in the NHL.
But that's the whole problem. Brian Gionta still wanted to play hockey in the NHL this season, but nobody would give him a contract before the season started. And it's not like Gionta was done either as he managed to put up 35 Points last season. Well at least Gionta managed to get a "lucky break" and got one last chance to play hockey in the NHL. But everybody isn't so lucky. Jarome Iginla wanted to play this season too, but nobody would sign him. Same thing with Shane Doan.
This makes me think that the NHL is in need of a way to protect older players job opportunities, so that teams don't replace them with young talentless plugs who'll never end up as regular NHL:ers anyway, just to save a few bucks. So having a system were every NHL team must employ atleast 1 player over the age of say 38 or 39, might be a good way for useful older players to still find a job in the NHL, if they want to play. This way the superstars have a way to add to their legacies without a risk of getting kicked out of the League before they're actually done. And with hockey getting less physical and training and neutrition taking big steps forward, there will be plenty of 38+ year old players who could still be impactful NHL players.