Faceoff Factor

Alert the press! A decision has been made!

Ashley Gallant | National Hockey League

Aug 29, 10:49 AM | Hype this story!

A watchful eye has been kept on a number of veteran players this summer. Will they bolt for Europe? Will they look to end their careers on a high note, Stanley-style? Will they retire and build a golf course in Dubai?

Perhaps the players receiving the most attention are the Four S’s: Sundin, Sakic, Selanne, and Shanahan.

With just weeks until the start of camp, one of those four players has taken his name off the ‘What Will He Do?’ list.

Joe Sakic announced earlier this week that he will return to the Colorado Avalanche.

Sakic’s decision certainly takes away any nervousness or uncertainty in the Avalanche dressing room.

Now if only the other players will decide already.

Of the other three S’s, you could argue that Shanahan is done – or at least should be done. His game is heading south fast, and maybe he should just stop now rather than torture himself with another season of not living up to his own expectations.

Sundin and Selanne still have the ability to make a decent contribution in the NHL, and they are not unwanted. The only thing that is up in the air is whether they are ready and willing to play for another season.

The clock is ticking.