“Time takes everybody out – it’s undefeated.”



This may be a cheesy quote from one of my favourite sports movies (Creed), but it stands true as we watch world-class athletes begin to look human as they age. Think about Peyton Manning not being able to throw a tight spiral for the Denver Broncos; Kobe Bryant providing replacement-level value in his final three seasons; Mike Modano finishing his career as a healthy scratch on the Red Wings’ fourth line – these are all examples of once elite players whose bodies just couldn’t hold up as they approached age 40.



This season we’re observing a similar trend with Patrick Marleau at age 39.



This isn’t to take anything away from his spectacular career. He’s been one of the most consistent scorers in NHL history, which could make him a legitimate Hall of Fame candidate given his longevity (scoring well over 500 goals and 1,100 points across 21 seasons). If...