It was a turbulent season for New York Islanders defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky, and it ended with a big bump in the form of that thunderous hit by Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson:
Much like his teammates, Visnovsky told New York Newsday’s Arthur Staple that he was angry and upset about that hit, but also believes he could have played if the Isles advanced to the second round.
Things get a little juicier regarding whether he’ll ever play for the Islanders - or maybe another NHL team - again, as he heads toward unrestricted free agency.
Many hardcore hockey fans are aware that the 38-year-old is one of the more injury-prone players in the league. “Lubo” seems to understand this, as he noted to Staple.
“I want to play, but sometimes my body doesn’t work ...” Visnovsky said. “I have all summer to think about it.”
If he does, Visnovsky said he wants to return to the Islanders, a team he believed had a shot at the Stanley Cup.
Of course, the Isles have to ask themselves if they’d want the aging blueliner back, especially since they’re hoping to build toward that goal of winning it all. It’s not at an easy choice, but as Visnovsky would likely agree, there’s plenty of time to mull over such decisions.