No, the long lost better cousin.
Wade is supplying the whole family with dollars that he made by not marching into the GM's office to announce his retirement once his playing level deteriorated.
Wade played another year in the NHL after his Rangers contract was over. His situation was more about his cap hit than it was his ability to actually play at an NHL level. He retired at the right time and really made the best of a bad situation. He did think about retiring rather than playing in the AHL but he manned, swallowed his pride, and put his best foot forward for the 'Pack/Whale. He should get credit for handling it the way that he did.
And, not that I want to get all sanctimonious or on the soap box or whatever, but players play because they love the game as well as because of the contracts they play for. If a player retires early because he recognizes that the fire, or the performance level that they expect from themselves isn't there anymore, then kudos to them. Of course it's not going to happen that way a whole lot, but I don't think any of us would rush into retiring early either - for the money, for the love of the game, for your teammates, etc... It can't be easy to walk away. I do, however, think that Lundqvist would be in this camp if he isn't satisfied with his play. Hopefully, it's not an issue that presents itself.
