The SBP Archives - Your less than frequent dose of SBP!

Who doesn't like Steve Yzerman? In his prime, he was one of the best. Passionate, hard-working, Canadian and commanded a respect from every player in the NHL. Still does, actually. No one likes to see a star perfom as a shadow of their former self, and most prefer that when their time is done, they graciously exit stage left and not try to hang on to the limelight when clearly their time has passed.

TSN reported Yzerman has asked to be removed from consideration to play for Team Canada in the upcoming Olympics. Wayne Gretzky has always said a spot is his should he want it, but Yzerman obviously sees all the potential candidates around him and realizes it isn't fair for Gretzky to pick him instead of a player who truly deserves to be there.

This will likely be Steve Yzerman's last year in the NHL, and although he isn't a detriment to the Red Wings, Team Canada is an entirely different story. Canada is just packed with talent, and the intangibles Stevie Y brings can still be provided by guys like Joe Sakic who still have the offensive flair to contribute as well.

Steve Yzerman proved his class one more time by stepping aside and letting the younger guys get their chance to shine in front of the world. This isn't an easy decision. You get to play for your country in front of hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide for a shot at gold, and for him it would have definitely been his last time to do it.

Your past contributions to Team Canada won't be forgotten, Stevie. Not by a longshot. Now the question is, will Mario Lemieux follow suit?