Report: Flyers' Ian Laperriere to Miss Entire Season

According to a report from the Delaware County Daily Times' website, Philadelphia Flyers' right wing Ian Laperriere will likely miss the entire 2010-11 season with post-concussion symptoms after being struck in the face with a puck this past April, and his hockey playing career may be over. The report also indicated that the team is deciding whether to put him on long-term injured reserve or let him announce his retirement. If Laperriere does decide to retire, the team would have to deal with a salary cap hit over the next two seasons because of his age. He will be re-evaluated over the next few weeks, but it is unlikely he will play a game this season. In all 82 games last season with the Flyers, Laperriere had three goals and 17 assists for 20 points and 162 penalty minutes. In 1083 career NHL games with the St. Louis Blues, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, Colorado Avalanche, and Philadelphia Flyers, he has 121 goals and 215 assists for 336 points and 1956 penalty minutes. This is unfortunate news, as Laperriere was always a hard worker on the ice, a great leader, and played with lots of grit and toughness. The Flyers would be better off placing him on long-term injury status, as they really can't afford to eat the rest of his contract if he decides to retire. It's always sad to see a player have his career ended because of an injury, and Laperriere's contributions on the ice will be missed.