“It was the right thing to do. I would've loved to play in the Olympics again, but I believe it's time for me to step aside. It's time to let other guys play.”
“One of the advantages, one of the special things, about playing in Detroit or Montreal is guys like Gordie Howe walk in the room. I didn't know he was here tonight, it was kind of a coincidence to get that assist on a night that he's here.”
“I had 15 months there to debate it and back forth. At times, I was certain I was going to play and there were other times I was certain I wasn't going to play, ... Until the lockout ended and I had a chance to sit down with Kenny Holland to kind of discuss, 'Does it make sense for me to come back, economically, for the organization, personnel wise? What do you want to do with this team?'”
“I really enjoyed it, ... I played a couple of preseason games, but the atmosphere tonight was totally different. The pace is much quicker and more intense, but it was easier to get into it.”
“I really enjoyed it. I played a couple of preseason games, but the atmosphere tonight was totally different. The pace is much quicker and more intense, but it was easier to get into it.”
“I think it's a fair way to replay the game. I know they debated which was the best thing to do. They felt, you know, if we're going to make the fans come back, give them a whole game.”
“I think it'll be a big loss for the NHL. Such a great player and conducted himself professionally. An exciting player to watch. Just so many highlights of things he could do on the ice.”
