Injuries might have been a frequent headache for Sami Salo during his hockey career, but he was still able to make an impression on quite a few people.
Finnish outlet Ilta-Sanomat passes along word that Salo said he “can no longer play,” or some rough translation of that, which ultimately means that he’s retiring from hockey.
It looks like a wrist or hand injury is the final ailment that meant curtains for the 40-year-old veteran, but it’s clear that he’s absorbed a lot of wear-and-tear over the years.
Salo played 13 seasons in the NHL, making his biggest impression during nine with the Vancouver Canucks. His last NHL appearances came during his second season with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2013-14.
Teammates, coaches, writers and fans came out in droves to tip their caps to the retiring Finn.
Congratulations to classy D man Sami Salo on his outstanding career. The Big Finn with the Big Shot. Use Spf 50 during your retirement Sami
— Marc Crawford (@CroMarcCrawford) August 13, 2015
"He was the most underrated player the #Canucks have ever seen. Tough as nails, so likeable, so good" Linden on Salo. pic.twitter.com/W9cBF638yd
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) August 13, 2015
Said it before, will say again: Sami Salo was most important Canucks dman of 00s https://t.co/Vszb1Nk30v
— Patrick Johnston (@risingaction) August 13, 2015
Sami Salo was one of the most under rated d-men on the Canucks for so many years. One of the best top 4 glue guys you could ask for.
— Wyatt Arndt (@TheStanchion) August 13, 2015
Does Sami Salo own the best (hardest + accurate + knew his lanes on when to shoot) slap shot in #Canucks history? If not, then who does?
— Nucks Misconduct (@nucksmisconduct) August 13, 2015
Sami Salo: much more than inj prone & big shot. Excellent all around D. Game slowed down 4 him, no panic, accurate outlet & gr8 positionally
— Stu Walters (@StuWalters_) August 13, 2015
That’s some great praise for a guy who suffered through often awful injury luck and had to prove himself as a ninth-rounder (239th overall) back in 1996.
