On Monday, 47 year old Chris Chelios worked out with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL trying to once again play in the NHL. The Wolves are the AHL affiliate of the Atlanta Thrashers (wonder if he likes Winnipeg). Chelios played 25 seasons in the NHL with his last game being played in the 2008-09 season for the Detroit Red Wings. Winner of 3 Norris trophy’s and  tallying 185 goals and 763 assists for 948 points, Chelios is looking to be the oldest active player in the NHL.

If you remember, the great Gordie Howe came out of retirement in 1997-98 as he tried to play in the NHL in 6 different decades as he played one game for the Detroit Vipers of the IHL. Howe currently holds the record for the oldest player to play in the NHL at 52 years old in 1980 for the Hartford Whalers.

One of my favorites was Michael Jordon who retired from the NBA, played in the MLB, retired from the MLB, came out of retirement to play in the NBA for a second time and then once again retired and if I remember correctly he had 2 retirement parties for the Bulls.

My opinion is that once a player retires, stay retired. The only exception to that rule would be a case of Cam Neely where he tried  to come back after being severely injured. That was one that everyone wanted to see and unfortunately it didn’t happen. Anyways, I have always liked Chelios and wish him the best of luck but I think he is going to realize quickly that the NHL is a much different game than it was just 2 years ago when he last played. Skaters have gotten quicker and smarter which will make his task even more challenging.

The Pittsburgh Penquins had a first in franchise history , back to back season sell outs. Other teams that sold out the 2008-09 season were the Canucks, Leafs, Oilers, Rangers and Flames with the Bruins, Blackhawks, Canadiens and Minnesota Wild with significant increases over the 07-08 season.

So what’s the problem you ask? The smaller market teams are suffering severely, teams like the Panthers, Predators and Thrashers who are looking to sell or move out of Atlanta. It’s no secret in the NHL that the Coyotes are in serious trouble and what about the Islanders who thought signing a goalie to a 100 year contract (obviously exaggerated) would fill the seats.

Then you have the city of Winnipeg, looking to get an NHL team and there is some rumors out of Winnipeg of course, that the Atlanta or possibly Pheonix are just a few teams that may be looking to re-locate to Winnepeg. But is that the answer?  Lets think about this, a city that once had an NHL team and lost it , only has a 15,000 seat arena wants an a team that once played there.

Here’s the harsh reality, with the crazy money that pro players make now a days and the sluggish economy, unless you have a very strong core of players in your locker room, you will not fill the seats. There are 30 NHL teams, use that formula and do the math…we are talking about roughly 150 marquis players (give or take)are needed to make 30 teams strong enough to survive.

There is no shame with a few of these teams shutting down and letting those fourth line players and back-up goalies, play where they should be.. the AHL. There are great advantages of downsizing, the players I am referring to will get some quality ice time instead of a shift or two a game and it will make both the AHL and the NHL well represented.

Bruins season tickets price from $1247 to $9116 per seat with only seats $3098 and up available. Going to an AHL game is a great alternative with ticket prices under 20 bucks. They are very kid oriented with games and events going on through out the building. I personally think that the AHL should expand and the NHL should down size. It is time to give the fans some quality hockey games for the price they are paying to see them.

When you live in Boston and hear the name Bourque, most people assume you are talking about hall of fame defensman Ray Bourque. Chris, the son of the great #77 is now a Penguin as Pittsburgh claimed him off waivers over the weekend from Washington.

What boggles me is that Chris is still in the AHL. I saw him play a preseason game last season and thought back then that he would be with the big boys sooner than later.

Chris played 35 games for Boston University before going 33rd in the 2004 entry draft by the Washington Capitals. Bourque played for the Caps affiliate, the  Hershey Bears , the AHL affiliate playing 207 games tallying 159 points and 258 PIM in the AHL and 12 games in the big show.

The Family tree doesn’t stop there. Meet 17 year old Ryan, younger brother of Chris who chose to play for Juniors team, the Quebec Remparts over attending UNH. Ryan was drafted in June by Bruins rivals,the New York Rangers. The scouting report on the young center is that he is quick but on the small size at only at 5’8 and a mere 163#. In today’s game of hockey, he is to be considered small.

The Bourque’s would love nothing less than to be in the category of  Howe, Sutter, Cullen and Stastny just to name a few.