"Old" Guy ponders future:
Carbonneau says he hasn't decided whether to retire now

By Jennifer Floyd, The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6/12/00

All season long, Stars forward Guy Carbonneau has said he thought this season would be his last. He'd hang up his skates after 18 NHL seasons.

Of course, he always used words like thought, possibly and maybe -- leaving wiggle room in case he had an urge to play another season. Now, Carbonneau has to decide whether probably becomes definitely.

"I still think I need a couple of weeks, two or three weeks, to settle down, see what my body says, my mind," the 40-year-old center said after Dallas' season ended with a 2-1, double-overtime loss to New Jersey on Saturday in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals. "I just don't want to make any rash decisions."

Carbonneau had the same decision to make last season and decided to come back. The Stars made a move to younger and faster team this season, but Carbonneau provided the perfect complement.

Not to mention, he's a fan favorite.

He played in 69 regular-season games this season, scoring 10 goals with six assists. His biggest contribution, though, came defensively. Not only did he play significant minutes on Dallas' record-settling penalty kill, but he also was assigned to shut down some top lines.

Carbonneau said part of his decision is up to the Stars, whether they want him in that role again next season.

"They have a decision to make whether they want to protect me or not," he said. "They got two teams that are going to have a draft. I always said I am not going to play anywhere else. I will not be a Blue Jacket. No, seriously, at this point in my career I don't want to be a baby sitter. We'll have to sit down and see what they want to do."

Stars coach Ken Hitchcock said the decision will be between Carbonneau and Stars general manager Bob Gainey but said Carbonneau had been an effective player this season.

"He was a great player for us all year," Gainey said. "It is just a matter of letting a little time elapse ... before we look ahead to the next year. I think it's just best to allow it to unfold."

Carbonneau has played in 1,318 regular-season games and 231 playoff games, and is the oldest player in the NHL.

So what would someone who has played hockey for that long do when he retires?

"No idea," Carbonneau said. "I always said I want to stick in hockey.... But once I make that decision, I don't know what other doors are going to open."

Reports in Montreal have linked Carbonneau accepting a position there. He said those are just rumors. If he had his druthers, he would remain in Dallas, although he said he hasn't talked to Gainey about any specific opportunities.

"My family really likes it here, and I have a daughter that is going to go to SMU this year," Carbonneau said. "I'd love to stick around."