Monday, December 23
 
Doctor has 50-50 opinion, but Yzerman optimistic

Associated Press

DETROIT -- Steve Yzerman remains optimistic about playing again, but the doctor who operated on his right knee wouldn't mind seeing him retire.

Yzerman, the 37-year-old captain of the Detroit Red Wings, has missed every game this season.

"(Doctors) always told me to wait and see what happens," Yzerman told Booth News Service for a Sunday published story. "If I can't play this year, I'm not ruling out next year."

A CBC documentary about Yzerman that was broadcast Saturday included comments from Dr. Peter Fowler, who operated on the player in London, Ontario, in August.

"I think it's probably 50-50 he'll feel sufficiently well enough to play hockey again," Fowler said. "In a way, I wouldn't mind seeing him hang up the skates."

But Yzerman has been skating for eight weeks and is hoping for a late-season return.

"I'm improving, but not as quickly as I would like," Yzerman said. "Off the ice I'm gaining strength. On the ice, it still hurts a little bit when I skate. So I can't really go full out."

Yzerman has spent 19 seasons in the NHL and would love a shot at another Stanley Cup.

"If I get one more chance to do it, I would like to do everything I can to do that," he said. "Another reason is, I'm under contract this year, and it's my obligation to do everything I can to get myself back to playing."