thejazz97 Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/sami-salo-officially-announces-his-retirement-needs-another-wrist-surgery/ In early July, rumors surfaced that Sami Salo had played his final game in the NHL. Now, the 40-year-old defenseman has confirmed those rumors, adding that his nagging wrist injury is what has cost him a final season. Salo last played in the 2013-14 season with Tampa Bay, but missed the final two games of the regular season with an upper-body injury. He again missed time during the Lightning’s four-game defeat at the hands of the Canadiens that season, missing the final two games of Montreal’s series sweep. Salo confirmed to Ilta-Sanomat, a Finnish newspaper, that he could no longer play in the NHL. “Hand is what it is,” Salo said. “(I am) no longer able to play. Not hockey, not tennis. At least not as a professional.” The veteran defenseman had wrist surgery previously, but the hope was it was healed enough to not require further surgery. Salo told Ilta-Sanomat that’s not the case, however, and that he will have to go under the knife once again. Throughout his career, Salo was often injured, never once playing a full season. Even in the lockout shortened campaign — a 48-game season in 2012-13 — Salo missed two games. Over his 15-year career, Salo played 878 games and scored 339 points. It’s a shame he won’t be back for at least one more season, however, as he’s sitting on the cusp of 100 career goals — he will retire with 99. Salo was one of the best late-round picks of the 1996 draft, and waited until the ninth round, 239th overall pick to hear his name called by the Ottawa Senators. The third-last pick in the draft, Salo has played more games than all but 13 players drafted in 1996 and retires as the 12th highest scoring player taken in the draft. He’s even ahead of 1996 first-overall selection Chris Phillips, who was also selected by the Senators. With a booming shot from the point, Salo was an incredible weapon on the power play, having four seasons in which he scored more than six goals with the extra man. His best year came when he blasted home nine power play goals in 2005-06 with the Vancouver Canucks. Salo’s years with the Canucks were some of the best of his career. While in Vancouver, Salo posted career highs of 14 goals and 37 points, all the while being a 20-plus minute defenseman on a nightly basis. That's too bad he never won a Cup... here's to a great recovery and a happy retirement, Sami. Gonna miss seeing that slapshot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AriGold Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 Too bad he didn't sign a 1 day contract to retire as a Canuck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Building Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 Salo is top 3 of my favourite Canuck defencemen. Balls of steel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Master Mind Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 I wish he could've played one more season. All the best to him, hope he enjoys retirement. I still miss having him on the team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neko Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 Salo was a fun guy to watch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbadcanucks Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 I'm usually not a fan of patronage signings for sentimental value, but I'm all for the Canucks signing Sami Salo for one day so that he can retire as a Canuck. My lasting memories of Sami are his booming shot...his fearlessness...his ability to seal off players with his size...and his maturity/leadership. He will always be respected for the way he called out the punks on team at the time (Kesler and Burrows and O'Brien) without naming names for their 'childish' (his words) antics on the ice after the Canucks got bounced out by the 'hawks in 2010 (and good on Kesler and Burrows for respecting Salo enough to man up after those comments). IMO, Sami was a huge part of the leadership group during the Gillis era. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 A fully-healthy Sami Salo, in his prime, would be a $6.5m player in today's NHL. He'd be a 50pt + producer, puck mover, PP quarterback. Such a shame injuries curtailed a fine career. We were lucky to have him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 Good run for the Finnish Mcinnis. He could have been even more special than he was if it hadn't been for the injuries. Great player, obviously very passionate to come back from injury so many times. I hope he finally has time to heal up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaku Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 All the best to Sami. I hope that he can get his wrist injury worked out so he can enjoy playing tennis and hockey again one day. Tough way to end a career. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad Marchand Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 “(I am) no longer able to play. Not hockey, not tennis. At least not as a professional.” Heh. (Salo played tennis until he was fifteen, apparently) Congrats on a great career. Hopefully there won't be any more snake bites. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milk and honey Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 He was one of the best dman in the history of this club! wish we could give him a 1day contract. wish all the best to him and hopefully no more hiccups with his health! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hatedkid666 Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 Great career. Did so much for this team and city. Wish him the best! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghostsof1915 Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 Thanks Sami for everything. All those injuries do take a toll. When healthy he was one of the best in the game. Enjoy retirement, and I hope your wrist heals to play tennis. Feel free to work on scouting Finnish prospects for us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heretic Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 A fully-healthy Sami Salo, in his prime, would be a $6.5m player in today's NHL. He'd be a 50pt + producer, puck mover, PP quarterback. Such a shame injuries curtailed a fine career. We were lucky to have him. Ummnnnn...in his "prime" his best season was 37 points..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apollo Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 Salo is top 3 of my favourite Canuck defencemen. Balls of steel. Yup mine too... I've got ohlund juice salo I still remember my first canucks game I went to... Was shortly after the trade and he was on the cover of the program. What a warrior. Was it his point shot that got disallowed on the PP because tuzzi was infront of kipper and then next faceoff, they ran the exact same play and boom instant hockey God's justice? Or was it someone else? I just remember tuzzi and kipper part of it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poetica Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 Too bad. I wish him all the best for a happy and fulfilling retirement! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dekey Pete Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 Ummnnnn...in his "prime" his best season was 37 points..... Booo -1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The-Impersonator Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 Salo is top 3 of my favourite Canuck defencemen. Balls of steel. One of the best chants ever at the Rog "Balls of Steel" during game 6 of that Chicago series. Classic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benchsplinters Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 Best to you Sami in your retirement. You were one of my favorite DMen. It would really be nice if some how the Canucks could recognize you for your play as a Canuck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heretic Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 Booo -1 IKR? The truth hurts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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