Lindros finally returns to his roots

By Michael Wilmes
SportsTicker Staff Writer

TORONTO (Ticker) - The wishing is over. The rumors can be put to rest. The long-awaited return of Eric Lindros to his childhood home finally has taken place.

Lindros, the 32-year-old center from London, Ontario, will play his first game in a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey on October 5 about two hours from the home in which he grew up. The rink where he earned the nickname “The Next One” as a member of the Ontario Hockey League’s Oshawa Generals is a simple ride up the highway.

Needless to say, his arrival in Toronto has been anticipated.

“I know a lot of people here, I’ve got a lot of friends here,” Lindros said. “It’s an organization that’s always contending, they always put their best foot forward. There’s a desire to win. This is the hotbed of hockey. It’s going to be a lot of fun here.”

“We know he wanted to be here,” general manager John Ferguson Jr. said. “It’s always nice to have people who want to come in and be a contributing part of our club.”

Toronto’s acquistion of Lindros puts an end to the drama that began nearly five years ago. Lindros initially had expressed interest in being traded from Philadelphia to the Maple Leafs in 2000, when he was openly critical of the way the Flyers were being run.

Unfortunately for the hulking star, the trade never was made and Lindros eventually was dealt to the New York Rangers on August 20, 2001. But this past August 11, nearly four years later, his wish was granted when he signed a one-year contract with the Maple Leafs.

“I bought a house in the area and I’m looking forward to being around for quite some time,” Lindros said. “The hard part about the bargaining (of the contract) was, I’ve come out for years and said that I’ve really wanted to play here. It made it tough for my dad (and agent) to get through that. But I think everything worked out really well.

“It feels good to get out on the ice and sit in this dressing room and to be part of this franchise. I’m excited about it, and I will be excited about it for years and years to come.”

After Lindros was acquired by the Rangers, he showed signs of regaining the form that helped him win the Hart Trophy in 1995, leading the team in scoring in 2001-02 with 73 points, including 37 goals.

“Clearly, he’s been a good player at different times in his career, one of the best players in the National Hockey League at times,” Ferguson said. “We think there’s some real good upside to him.”

But the resurgence of the 6-4, 240-pounder, who suffered several concussions while with Philadelphia, was short-lived as head injuries again became commonplace.

Lindros has suffered eight concussions in his career thus far, the worst coming via a crushing check from the recently retired Scott Stevens during the 2000 Eastern Conference finals that sidelined him for the entire 2000-2001 season. But despite missing large chunks of time during his career, the 1991 first overall draft pick has amassed 356 goals and 461 assists in 678 games.

Lindros enters this season with a clean bill of health from Dr. Karen Johnson, who has been examining him since 2000. Lindros has stated he is not worried about suffering another concussion and will continue to play his typical physical style.

Despite his confidence, all worries resurfaced after a big open-ice hit during a preseason scrimmage by Staffan Kronwall put Lindros on his back. However, he suffered no ill effects and later delivered a jarring hit of his own.

Ferguson understands Lindros’ situation but believes there always is risk in sports such as hockey.

“It’s a contact sport,” Ferguson said. “There’s always assumption of risk in any decision you make, any amount you allocate to a position or player. We’re comfortable with the risk. We’ve assessed it and I think there’s tremendous upside here.”

Lindros could end up on Toronto’s second line or the checking unit. His size and scoring ability would give the Maple Leafs a potent weapon on the checking line, and his power makes him difficult to control.

“He’s a great hockey player. He’s a former Hart Trophy winner,” center Matt Stajan said. “He’s got size, speed and scoring touch. He sees the game well, he brings everything to the table, he can play in any situation. Anytime you can add a guy like that, you do it, and he’ll be a great addition to the team.”

Along with his physical attributes, Lindros also brings leadership and commitment to the club.

“Since Eric’s got here, he’s shown leadership both on and off the ice, and he’s been great,” Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin said. “I’ve nothing but good things to say about Eric. The way he’s been playing on the ice and working hard and the way he is as a teammate, he’s going to fit really well.”

While often stressing hockey to be a team sport and shying away from the spotlight, Lindros served as captain of the Flyers from 1994-2000. But the title was given to Eric Desjardins while Lindros was injured in during the 1999-00 season, and problems with management ensured he never would get it back.

But Lindros does not need to wear a “C” on his jersey to display leadership with the Maple Leafs.

“He’s got size and leadership,” said defenseman Bryan Marchment, who is in Toronto’s training camp on a tryout basis. “He’s got good skills. I’ve played against Eric a lot of years. He’s a bulldog.”

“His presence is big when he is in the dressing room, and when he is on the ice, you’ve got to keep an eye on him,” Stajan said. “He’s huge. If you don’t get great position on him, he’s going to burn you. He overpowers guys and he’s got that scoring touch. People look for goals and points, but he brings a lot more than that. Playing with him opens the ice.”

Lindros finally will get the chance to showcase his talents in front of his friends and family. And the Maple Leafs are hoping he can remain healthy, because if “The Next One” suffers another concussion, it likely will be his last one.