The Avalanche's biggest "what if" comes to surface in stunning new development
Photo credit: Ryan Clark / The Athletic
There is no question Peter Forsberg was one of the all time greats of the NHL, but his injury riddled career may have held the Swedish forward back from the "legend" status everyone strives for.
It makes us all wonder how much higher he might rank among the all-time greats had he remained healthy.
Just how great could Colorado Avalanche's Peter Forsberg have truly been?
Ryan Womeldorf of The Hockey Writers took a deeper dive into Forsberg's fabled career, and what could have been had it not been for his many injuries.
"By the beginning of the 2002-03 season, Forsberg had a laundry list of incredible accomplishments. He helped popularize a move that would ultimately be called «The Forsberg,» helping Sweden win an Olympic gold medal in the process.
If that weren't enough, Forsberg captured the Calder Trophy as the NHL's best rookie, played a key role in one of the greatest moments in NHL history, and led the 2002 Playoffs in scoring after missing the entire season with a ruptured spleen and various injuries." -Womeldorf
If that weren't enough, Forsberg captured the Calder Trophy as the NHL's best rookie, played a key role in one of the greatest moments in NHL history, and led the 2002 Playoffs in scoring after missing the entire season with a ruptured spleen and various injuries." -Womeldorf
In 2002-2003, Forsberg had his best season to date scoring 106 points, capturing both the Art Ross and the Hart MVP trophy. At only 29 years old it seemed like the sky was the limit for him and the Avalanche, but that wasn't the case.
"Forsberg's most notable physical challenge came the following season. After posting 89 points in 73 regular season games during the 2000-01 season, the playoffs were especially tough on Forsberg. After defeating the Los Angeles Kings in the second round, it was announced that he would miss the remainder of the playoffs recovering from a ruptured spleen. The Avalanche would go on to win their second Stanley Cup a month later.
Hip and groin injuries limited him to just 39 games in 2003-04, which would ultimately be his final full season in Denver. After signing with the Philadelphia Flyers prior to the 2005-06 season, Forsberg continued to deal with groin, knee, and foot injuries. Those foot problems, as it would be revealed by Forsberg himself later on, were the ultimate cause of his persistent groin problems. He remained productive through the 2006-07 season, but was never really the same." -Womeldorf
Hip and groin injuries limited him to just 39 games in 2003-04, which would ultimately be his final full season in Denver. After signing with the Philadelphia Flyers prior to the 2005-06 season, Forsberg continued to deal with groin, knee, and foot injuries. Those foot problems, as it would be revealed by Forsberg himself later on, were the ultimate cause of his persistent groin problems. He remained productive through the 2006-07 season, but was never really the same." -Womeldorf
All these injuries make long time fans of the game wonder about the production he could have had if he remained healthy. Multiple 100 point seasons, another Stanley Cup or two and he would have been a first-ballot Hall of Famer, but with the injuries people debate his Hall of Fame worthiness.
Forsberg was one of the best two-way forwards to ever play the game, his combination of physicality and skill were a marvel to watch, it is a shame we did not get to experience more of it.
TRENDING NOW
