Playoffs 2000:Lindros not ready to make decision

Lindros not ready to make decision
Associated Press

VOORHEES, N.J. -- Three days after his latest concussion knocked him out of the Stanley Cup playoffs, Eric Lindros said Monday he hasn't decided if he will play more hockey.


	Lindros

"I don't know what the future holds," Lindros said at the Philadelphia Flyers' season-ending meeting.

The former team captain has had six concussions in just over two years, and may be considering retirement or sitting out an entire season.

"I haven't thought about the future to the point I want to discuss it publicly," Lindros said. "I love playing in this city (Philadelphia). The fans in this city are spectacular."

As for continuing to play, Lindros said, "That's not my decision."

If Lindros decides he wants to continue his career, he may not have a team to play for.

The 27-year-old center becomes a restricted free agent on July 1. The Flyers must make a qualifying offer of $8.5 million -- equal to this year's salary -- to retain the rights to match another team's offer or receive compensation if he moves.

General manager Bob Clarke has said the team will make the qualifying offer. But that was before Lindros' latest concussion. Clarke won't comment now.

Considering his medical history, it's unlikely a team would be willing to sign Lindros as a free agent for anything close to this year's salary.

But if the Flyers do not offer Lindros a contract by July 1, he becomes an unrestricted free agent. Teams then could sign him for far less and would not owe the Flyers any compensation.

If Lindros retires, the Flyers would retain his rights.

Lindros sustained the first concussion of his career in a game against Pittsburgh on March 7, 1998. A hit by Penguins defenseman Darius Kasparaitis knocked him out of action for 18 games. That was a Grade III concussion -- the most severe Lindros has sustained.

His second concussion later that year was a Grade I. The first three he sustained this season were diagnosed as Grade II. The Flyers have not announced the severity of Lindros' latest concussion, which came off a thunderous hit by New Jersey captain Scott Stevens early in the Devils' 2-1 victory that wrapped up the Eastern Conference finals.

It was just his second game back following a 10-week absence due to postconcussion syndrome.

Flyers coach Roger Neilson saw Lindros between periods of Friday's game and said he does not think this concussion is as serious as previous ones. But that doesn't mean Lindros will attempt another comeback.

Lindros' younger brother, Brett, retired from the NHL in 1996 after suffering three concussions with the New York Islanders and an undetermined number of concussions in juniors.

Lindros was 19 when the Flyers acquired him from Quebec for six players, two first-round draft choices and $15 million.

He made six All-Star teams and won an MVP award in 1995, but the Flyers lost in their only Stanley Cup final with him.