Jacques Lemaire retired from the NHL after the Habs won the Cup in 1979. He was 33. I realize 33 back in 79 seemed alot older for a player than it is now...but Lemaire was coming off a 97 point season in 77-78, scored 55 points in 50 games in 78-79, and had the best playoff of his career (23 pts in 16 games). Why would he retire with seemingly so much left in the tank?
mcphee
Registered User
I think you could list lack of passion, having done all he could do, needed a new challenge, had enough, and make them mean the same thing . I think the last year that he played as well as he played, became too much like work and it led him to seek something else.
I don't think he needed the spotlight like many do either. He never wanted to be 'the guy'. The anonymity of playing in Europe, at least when compared to Mtl, appealed to him. All guesses, but I think that's the direction that led him to retire.
I don't think he needed the spotlight like many do either. He never wanted to be 'the guy'. The anonymity of playing in Europe, at least when compared to Mtl, appealed to him. All guesses, but I think that's the direction that led him to retire.
Dryden also jumped up and retired at roughly the same age. They must of just had enough of it I guess
Nalyd Psycho
Registered User
Remember, they didn't get multimillion dollar contracts back then, there came a point where veterans would conclude that they risk injuries that would hamper their time with their family, and there was no incentive to risk that.
Canadiens1958
Registered User
Reasons
Jacques Lemaire was not a physically big man and had missed app 1/3 of the 78-79 season due to injuries.
Not wanting to hang around as a 3rd liner or a specialist like Henri Richard did, he wanted to go out on top and start his post NHL hockey career.
Jacques Lemaire was not a physically big man and had missed app 1/3 of the 78-79 season due to injuries.
Not wanting to hang around as a 3rd liner or a specialist like Henri Richard did, he wanted to go out on top and start his post NHL hockey career.
mcphee
Registered User
I think he had at least another 2years on the top line though. I can't imagine Larouche taking his spot. I still believe he lost the fire somewhere along the line. The 78-79 season was different for the team even though they won. Pollock was gone, Bowman's heart wasn't in it anymore, the signs of wear andtear, were starting to appear .
King Mapes
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Scott Neidemeyer wanted to do the same thing after last season. He was only 33 when he won the cup and won the Conn Smythe trophy.
dcinroc
Registered User
Well, really Montreal was no longer the same team by that time. You could see it. Perhaps it was a case of Dynasty burnout...all those extra playoff games add up.
