What has been speculated for the last week and a half with news that Flyer Ian Laperriere will sit out of the line-up indefinitely with post-concussion issues now appears to be coming true: Laperriere is expected to retired. The Camden Courier-Post is reporting that after seeking medical advice from two neurosurgeons, it appeared that nerve damage behind his right eye could become much worse if he continued playing. With a wife and kids at home, hanging up his skates for the last time may be the only option left.
Originally drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the 1992 NHL entry draft, Lappy has played with the Blues, New York Rangers, the Los Angeles Kings (where he spent the majority of his career), the Colorado Avalanche, and the Flyers. His best season occurred in 2005-2006, when he scored 21 goals and 24 assists for a career high 45 points. He’s played in 1,083 games, although he’s never played on a Stanley Cup-winning team. That last fact makes this news all the more painful, as he was within two games of reaching the pinnacle of hockey last year.
There is some speculation that he may join the Flyers front office, although in what capacity is unknown. There is also no guarantee that he will formally retire within the next few days, so much that to continue playing now seems like too dangerous an idea for even the Flyers organization. For the time being, Lappy will be on the long term injury reserve list while his teammates battle on.
Per the CBA rules, Laperriere’s $1.17 million cap hit will remain on the team’s salary cap payroll for the next two years even if he retires.
I thought he actually retired last spring, during the Stanley Cup finals…
On a serious not, a real warrior and great teammate and wish him the best..
He would make an excellent Flyer employee for his passion for the sport and fans is fantastic..
That sucks, but family first. Wish him the best.