Why doesnt anyone sign Brian Leetch?

Question

Brian Leetch is probably the best American defenseman ever to play the game of hockey. By looking at his stats in 1,205 games he had played, he had 1,028 points. Now compare that to Blake who had played in only 984 games and had only 637 points. Or even Scott NIEDERMAYER who had only 575 points in 1,016 games played. Even when you combine these two players you can not get the points that Leetch put up. I have never ever seen a defencemen with as many points as Leetch, and remember he had a great year that last time he was in the NHL, he had 32 points in 61 games......

Answer 1

He is holding out until closer to the deadline because he doesn't want to play a whole year, he has recieved offers from Atlanta, New York Rangers, and New Jersey Devils.

Answer 2

Maybe because this March he'll be 39 years old. Nice stats and all but that's history.
Plus, after the glory of the cup win in '94, he carries the stench of losing that all of the late 90s and early 2000s Rangers have. Also he played one year in Boston, which hasn't exactly been a great team in recent memory either.
OK, that last part was just a dig by an Islander fan but seriously, he's almost 39. There's a LOT of mileage on those legs and back.
As far as his stats from his last year: He was also -10 and with a full season he gets like 40 points. Why not give that position to a younger and cheaper guy to build for the future? Leetch hasn't played a full season in almost 5 years and he's not going to get younger.
Even I, the die-hard Islander fan, can agree that Leetch is one of the best offensive defensemen to ever play in the NHL, possibly the best one ever. But I think that his time is over. He's not worth the investment or the hassle of his injuries.

Answer 3

Apparently one of the reasons nobody has signed Leetch (I know I'm amazed too) is because of his asking price (around $5,000,000). However there is speculation that the Atlanta Thrashers have been in contact with the future hall of famer. I think we'll see Leetch again sometime this season probably close to the trade deadline and final roster freezer are in place for the playoffs. Personally I wish the Habs would sign him but unfortunately no room under the salary cap to acquire him.

Answer 4

Well, His agent Jay Grossman has said he'll only play in the North East.
But the Rangers don't want him back (and can't take him unless they can force another GM to take on kasparitis's contract at gunpoint, it ain't happening), the Devils can't fit him in, Boston has said they're out as has the Isles.
No dice on Montreal, Ottawa or Toronto, and Buffalo is set.
Pittsburgh doesn't need him, and even Roenick wouldn't go to the Flyers this year.

The only team that it would make sense for a 38 year old, no training camp, skates just twice a week rental player to end up on is......
The Atlanta Thrashers.

They need a PP quarterback. They need a veteran voice in their locker room. They've got cap space. They've got room on the Blue line, so he won't be taking an up and coming kid's minutes (as Leetch would everywhere else).
However, Grossman claims he's had no Atlanta discussions since preseason. (Ditto for the Isles, Devs, and Los Angeles)

But, Since Leetch seems intent on playing out the string on Broadway in NYC and they don't want him back, (Cap hit/ and he'd take up other's minutes) My guess is we've seen the last of #2.

Answer 5

Leetch is past his prime and I don't know if I would be comfortable with an offensive defenseman as much as one who is more defensive minded.

Answer 6

He is old and is basically only interested in signing with the rangers

Answer 7

He's still a bad player.

Answer 8

he is a little old but i don't see why not, the rangers had him for awhile so it doesn't matter to them

Answer 9

Too old

Answer 10

he is past his prime