What was the deal with Jonathan Cheechoo?

[Walkingthroughforest]

Double hernia surgery happened.

 

[Terry Yake]

joe thornton happened

and then injuries happened. he had a hell of a shot though despite the fact that he was an awful skater

 

[Mattb124]

People really focus on Cheech's stats, but it is a shame that more people don't know his story and understand just how humble and classy a guy he is. Heart and soul, salt of the earth.

 

[Alwalys]

Cheechoo was a first round pick that scored 28 goals on a third line before thornton even showed up. The idea that he would have been a career AHLer is laughable.

 

[Bowie22]

Injuries...

 

[Ace of Hades]

He's still a legit first liner even without thornton.

 

[SmCurse]

That's interesting.

Wonder if he'd ever see another shot in the NHL as the league continues to slow down.

I don't know about that but I'm not buying that there is not one team in NHL he could help. I watched him play against Jokerit (last year, regular season game KHL) and he was easily the best player on ice. Created lots of scoring changes and if I remember correctly, he scored a couple of times.

 

[Elvs]

He's still a legit first liner even without thornton.

This. Sure playing with Thornton helped but Cheechoo was a good player and scorer in his prime. It's not like he was an AHL'er who got a lucky oppurtunity to play with one of the best playmakers in the game. Nils Ekman was mostly the 3rd link on that line and his production only increased by a hair from playing with Thornton.

 

[Patty Ice]

Dude initially looked like he'd be a career AHLer but got a chance in the NHL, had instant tremendous success and even won Rocket Richard trophy...then after just a few NHL seasons he disappeared forever in minor leagues again.

Looking at his career is pretty weird.

What gave you that impression? 29th overall pick. Strong junior and AHL numbers. Great shot and hard worker. The only issue/concern with him was his skating.

But to answer your question, injuries. Injuries was the deal considering they were the type that affected his slow skating.

 

[Patty Ice]

J
He wasn't a bad player before but he was no where near the player Thornton made him. 28 goals and 47 points on a weak Sharks team is alright I suppose.

That was on a third line with Ricci and another Thornton (his cousin).

Maybe his problem was being separated from one of that clan.

 

[matt trick]

There is a great story on the people/tribe of moose factory fundraiser enough to send him to school for power skating, as there was a chance he might make something of himself. Did he ever succeed! Love cheech!

Shame there is so much misinformation on him. His wine timer, grit, and commitment made for a lethal combination. Thornton doesn't win the art Ross without Cheechoo, either. Marleau, Pavelski, Heatley all hit a max of 44 goals.