Paul Kariya Out for the 2010-11 Season

A few days ago I cut a trade in my keeper league to acquire Luca Caputi and Paul Kariya for a 2nd and 3rd round pick in our 2011 Entry Draft. I insisted that the trade be conditional to Kariya signing by November 1st.

Little did I know that those conditions would be met so quickly.

Friday afternoon Paul Kariya’s agent, Don Baizley, released a statement saying that Paul will sit out the entirety of the 2010-11 season due to post-concussion syndrome. I guess we know now why Andy Strickland was reporting all summer that Kariya wasn’t sure if he would continue playing or not.

Kariya has suffered from concussion issues throughout his career. From the infamous Scott Stevens demolition (and epic follow up goal) to missing the 1998 Winter Olympics to the Kaleta hit in December 2009. The culmination of so many injuries to the head has apparently caught up with one of the quickest, most agile forwards in the last two decades of NHL action.

Kariya’s career started with being selected 4th overall by the Might Ducks of Anaheim in 1993. He would go on to become an offensive power house. Kariya broke out in 1996-96 with a 50 goal and 108 point performance. He followed up in 1996-97 with a 44 goal and 99 point performance in just 69 games. Paul would go on to top 80 points five times in his Ducks career.

Eventually he lead the Ducks to their first Stanley Cup Finals appearance in 2003.While Paul did score on of the most memorable playoff goals of my generation, he only produced 12 points in 21 playoff games. A total not god enough to earn the Ducks their first cup. He would leave California and seek further success in Colorado. Close buddy Teemu Selanne would follow. Sadly, the two couldn’t really make it work in Colorado. Paul would continue moving East.

Kariya in that mustard yellow just isn't right.

Kariya came out of the lockout ready to play for Nashville. Posting a 31 goal and 85 point season for the Predators. He would follow up in 2006-07 with a 24 goal and 76 point campaign. The most important factor, he appeared in 100% of his possible games. With Nashville’s lack of success progressing past round one of the playoffs Paul would move on once again. Where he would go was anyone’s guess.

Paul rolled the dice and moved about 6 hours west to St. Louis. A team “rebuilding the right way” and full of young talent. Following the loss of longtime household name Chris Pronger in 2006, the Blues struggled greatly. With the arrival of 2006 top selection Erik Johnson and Kariya suddenly Blues fans had a two big names to get excited about.

The excitement would quickly turn in to anger and frustration. His effort was there, but the production was not. In Paul’s first tour in St. Louis he scored just 16 goals and registered 65 points. After signing a 3 year, $18 million dollar contract, expectations were higher. A $6 million a year cap hit and salary was a substantial investment for a mid market team with shallow pockets. Kariya needed to bring his solid offensive production from Nashville with him. That just didn’t happen.

Don’t get me wrong, 65 points for most players is a solid season. When you are Paul Kariya and a consistent 30 goal scorer throughout your career, 16 goals will not cut it.

We now know Paul had significant issues with both of his hips which took away 75 games in 2008-09. Coming in to the 2009-10 season fans didn’t expect much, but in a contract year one never knows. He supplied 18 goals and 43 points in 75 games while playing a very solid two way game on the top line with David Backes and TJ Oshie. Again, not what you need from a $6 million player, but his was one of few consistent competitors on a team that greatly struggled with giving a consistent effort.

It appears that Paul will likely end his career on a sour note. He came to St. Louis looking to be the veteran piece that put a young team over the top. That goal never materialized. Instead his injury history is holding him back. Calling in to question his ability to play the game he has been a major factor in for the last 16 years.

Finishing your career as a point a game player is significant. Not many can achieve that level of success. It’s just not as good as putting that hallowed cup over your head.

This is a sad day for the hockey world, but this gets to me personally.

In 1994 I was 11 years old and totally enamored with everything hockey and the Might Ducks movies. So, when the Ducks came to St. Louis and I could see Kariya zip all over the ice like he was Adam Banks, I was hooked. Outside of Brett Hull and Super Mario, Kariya was my favorite player growing up. So when my interest in the Blues greatly waned after the lockout and the Blues signed Kariya, I was back and as hooked as ever.

Here is to an excellent career if you aren’t able to come back Paul. Hopefully you will be back next season.