Scott Stevens

Are the Devils planning on signing Scott Stevens or will he be signing with another team? :confused:

It's Devils or retirement for Scotty. It sounds like he hasn't decided if he wants to play or not.

It's Devils or retirement for Scotty. It sounds like he hasn't decided if he wants to play or not.

And I hope that is all that is seperating from Scotty coming back, because if it has anything to do with health he should just retire, because it's been 18 months and maybe plus since he suffered that injury, and if he still feels not ready then I hope he doesn't come back.

But my personal opinion is that he is 100% healthy, but the thing that might be creating self doubt in his mind is the fact that Stevens will be 42 next spring and he would be coming back after almost two years from not playing hockey and if he was say 24, that wouldn't be a concern for him.

In other words does he feel he can play at the high level everyone expects and maybe better yet can he reach that level? And to be honest, I don't blame him if he feels that way.

Stevens never came across to me as a naturally talent offensive hockey player and developed his skills ala like Larry Bird were hard work and dedication is where they seperated themselves from their peers. And while no one is expecting him to put up numbers like he once did, I'm sure he realizes that it's just important to have sharp skills in the defensive zone as in the offensive zone and that as a player like him making a successful comeback might be a longshot at best.

You combine his age, deteriorating skills, and along layoff that will most ensurely lead to rusty play I could see how the only true obstacle for him might be his pride.

From The Star-Ledger, "Stevens Mulls Retiring as Devils Assess Defense (http://www.nj.com/devils/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/112442867675490.xml&coll=1)" by Rich Chere.

He hasn't played in an NHL game since Jan. 7, 2004 -- nearly 20 months ago. Yet, those who know Devils defenseman Scott Stevens believe he could come back this season from postconcussion syndrome even at the age of 41 and still be a force on the ice.

The question is whether Stevens wants to try.

It would be great to see him suit up for the Devils for one more year and have a proper send off, but if it means his health maybe it's time to "hang'em'up". Lou, I'm guessing, will give me a coaching assignment or scounting job within the organization. Anyone else thinking the same way?

Stevens is physically ready to play. He was ready to comeback last year (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/devils/story/230881p-198301c.html)if there would have been a season. If Stevens is questioning anything it is his desire to go through 9 months of training and fatigue for another shot at the Cup. He had a year off, and after the withdrawl of no hockey for those first few months, relaxing, fishing and hanging out with the family probably became a very content time for Stevens. This has nothing to do with PCS.

Maybe we just let him retire.. and if it looks like we're serious contenders we sign at the deadline.

If Stevens retires, Brodeur and Brylin will last of the quasi-dynasty still skating as Devils. It's making me feel old...