Eye injury forces Carl Hagelin retirement

[SaucyJack]

Just learned that Carl Hagelin is retiring.  He hadn’t played since the Caps 2021-22 season.  A stick under the visor in practice (iirc) more than a year ago almost led to eye loss.  Now age 33 and continuing difficulties, he is retiring.  One less older guy in Washington I suppose, but eye injuries are scary.  Nobody needs or deserves that.

 

Way back in helmetless days of Hull, Orr, Howe, Beliveau, Esposito, and nearly every other player, there had to be more respect between players in keeping sticks down.  I suppose Hull introducing the ferocious slap shot was the start of sticks getting higher and higher until 20 years later everyone ended up with helmets after the likes of Rod Langway and Craig MacTavish finally hung up their skates as the last without the helmet.