Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Is Darche done? (update)
By Victoria Matiash
UPDATE: According to Chris Johnston of Rogers Sportsnet, the agent for Mathieu Darche confirms his client is retiring from playing professional hockey.
Not word yet on what's up next for the popular veteran.
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Back on the market after (informally) skating with the New Jersey Devils for about a month, Mathieu Darche may be done with the pro game for good. According to the Montreal Gazette, the unrestricted free agent is willing to hang up his skates for the right off-ice opportunity.
“If something as far as post-career comes up in the next few days and it’s a great opportunity," Darche said. “I’ll jump on it and I’ll say: ‘All right, that’s it’ ... If something playing-wise comes up before, good. If something on the other side comes up before, well I’ll go.”
The playing opportunity seems like a long-shot, considering the 36-year-old isn't open to remaining patient or signing a two-way deal.
“I’m not waiting by the phone,” he said. “I’m not spending $200 an hour to go rent ice to skate. If it happens in the next few days, good. But in the meantime there’s a few people I’ll probably meet in the next week that I’ve talked to in the last week or so and look at different options of things I can do.”
With a commerce degree in marketing and international business, Darche is said to be very keen on a career in hockey management. After spending a lot of quality time with Devils GM Lou Lamoriello, the bilingual veteran may soon have an off-ice opportunity in New Jersey to consider.
