Eurolanche

Hejduk´s final decision? He needs time

The season for Colorado Avalanche is about to end and once again there is the same topic: Will it be the last game ever for Milan Hejduk tonight or will he continue in his NHL career? Last year, many news reported that Hejduk was decided to retire after the worst season in his career. He has not. There were many talks between him and the Avalanche management and finally they have done a deal. Hejduk openly talked he could join other NHL team if there would not be an offer from the Avs. Fortunately, he has stayed in Denver representing the same team as he did for his whole career.

Today, the circle continues. Hejduk was scratched many times this season. He had injuries and was not in favor of Avs head coach Joe Sacco. Sacco did not even place him on roster in last games because he wanted to give an opportunity to younger players. What the hell? Everybody is talking about Hejduk´s retirement and our coach simply scratched Hejduk even in this situation - when season is already lost? Sacco said that Hejduk will play tonight in the last game of this season and probably in the last game of Milan Hejduk´s career. That´s what all news are talking about. It is nice pressure by Sacco on Hejduk, isn´t it? „You will play in the final game, because it will be your final NHL game.“

In reflect of these news, has anybody ever asked Hejduk on his own opinion about retirement? No. At least they did not do it in the recent time. Like in the last season when North American media simply did not talk with Hejduk. But a media from Czech Republic did, so we all knew what was going to happen. And it was no retirement.

Eurolanche received exclusive comments from Hejduk´s teammate Jan Hejda. „Milan waits until the summer and then he will make final decision if he will continue or not. He said he is not going to make it immediately after the season, but he needs a time for thinking,“ told Hejda to www.eurolanche.com. So at the first look at this news coverage, it could look like Hejduk´s days in the NHL are numbered. But if you know Hejduk from other side, you know it does not mean anything, but rumors. We will see how will Hejduk decide in summer. It does not mean he cannot continue NHL in other city. Or stay in Denver under a new coach.