Chris Chelios: Atlanta Thrashers Call Up the 48-Year-Old Defenseman

You read the title to this story correctly.

The Atlanta Thrashers are calling up 48-year-old defenseman Chris Chelios from the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League.

Chelios, apparently going Reggie Dunlap (Slap Shot reference), has not played in the NHL since May 27, 2009, with the Detroit Red Wings against the Chicago Blackhawks.

"Chris has been an outstanding leader and mentor for our young players in Chicago and his level of play has made him deserving of this opportunity," Thrashers GM Don Waddell said in a statement released by the team. "He's a tremendous competitor who strengthens our group of defensemen and instantly adds a veteran presence to our locker room."

I guess if you put the work in and contribute to the team it does not matter what your age—you can still get the call to the show.

Chelios, who has played 46 games for the Wolves in the AHL, has 22 points (five goals, 17 assists) on the season in the minors, good enough to be the 12th-leading scorer on the team.

Look, I am all for players making comebacks and hanging on to the dream. But when is enough going to be enough with these guys?

Yes, I know he has the stats and productivity in the AHL to maybe merit a call-up, but do the Thrashers really think he is going to make an impact for their club?

Seriously, he will be going up against guys that were not even born yet when he first played in the NHL. How can that possibly be a good thing for your team?

I get the whole "leadership" role he may take on while in the ATL, but even die-hard Cheli and Thrashers fans can’t say this is going to be a long-term thing here.

After all, the guy is less than two years away from being 50 years old.

Now, I could be wrong with Chelios; he may come out and dump a few goals in or snag a few assists here and there. I just can’t wrap my head around the idea that a 48-year-old guy is going to be effective in the NHL.

But I will leave it to you, Thrashers fans. What do you think about Chelios coming to your club as the postseason approaches?

And, yes, Atlanta still has a shot to make the NHL playoffs, as they sit just four points back of the Bruins for the eighth and final spot in the Eastern Conference.

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