Pothier Update

Despite the upbeat headline, the latest on Brian Pothier is neither particularly encouraging (from a hockey standpoint) nor surprising: "Running, weights and skating are a long way off for now, but Pothier is excited that his mind is strong and his body is, albeit slowly, following."

And while that's good news in terms of his cognitive skills and whatnot, it's nearly gut-wrenching to read that a guy who one year ago was among the best-conditioned men in the world was bed-ridden for a week not long ago because he tried to jog a couple of blocks.

It has already been a long road to recovery (or some semblance thereof) for Pothier, but his priorities certainly seem to be in the right place. "I'd be lying if I say (retirement) didn't cross my mind," he said. "I've got a wife and two small boys at home that you want to function for when you're fifty." Amen to that.