Article by Gomez in The Players' Tribune

[RSC]

http://www.theplayerstribune.com/not-done/

 

Pretty interesting article by Gomer, he covers most of his career. Lots of positive things to say about the Devils, Lou, Stevens, Oates, etc. A couple of quotes stood out to me.

 

 

Once when I was riding a hot streak, I remember being on the team plane reading about how great I was doing. Joe Nieuwendyk walked over, grabbed the paper from me and said, “Gomer, don’t read that sh!t.” And I was kind of confused and then he told me, “Get in the habit right now of not reading the paper, because one day they’re going to start writing things about you that you won’t want to read.” Joe was one of the best leaders I’ve ever been around in this sport. There’s a certain code amongst hockey players. When a guy like Joe Nieuwendyk tells you not to do something, you listen.

 

 

 

 

My story isn’t finished. I feel like I’m in control of my career and there’s still tread on these tires — after getting limited minutes the past few years, I feel fresh. I’m a smarter player too. I used to think I had to carry the puck end to end, but Adam Oates has taken that out of my game. He’s helped change my approach to hockey and that’s a big part of what has made this season so great.

 

Edited March 13, 2015 by RSC

[DevilMinder]

That was an interesting autobiography, a nice lunch read for sure!

[Mike Brown]

He's such a good guy, and you genuinely wanna root for him. I hope we re-sign him.

[William D'Aquila]

What an article and what a man Lou is.

 

Lou was the first person I called when I made the decision to go to the Sharks. He tried to talk me out of it. He wanted me back in New Jersey. He said he wasn’t going to let me fail. I should have listened to him, but at that point I was so set on trying something new that I didn’t hear him out. I thought getting a new start would build my confidence, but what I probably needed was some familiarity. At that point my mind was made up and I just wanted to get the hell out of the east coast.

 

 

Kovy and him together would have been special.

[ringtwins]

i always will, damn.

[Colorado Rockies 1976]

That was a really nice read.  Always interesting to know what truly goes on in the minds of players, and what factors into some of their decisions as their careers unfold.

 

I think he remembers his Ranger days as being a little rosier than they really were with the "didn't skip a beat" comment.  He's right in that he basically turned in two Gomer-like seasons, but it seemed like everyone from the fanbase to Sather expected much more from him for a number of reasons.  Kinda noticed he didn't really go into depth much at all about his Rangers career...he couldn't have been happy in what was supposed to be a long-term thing was over in just two seasons, and that his salary was seen as an albatross that needed to be shed for the good of his former team (he did admit being upset). 

 

But overall, this was a very forthright and honest piece (he gives us a lot), and I wouldn't expect him to go into depth about every last thing.  I still think it will be risky to bring him back next season, but after reading this, I like the idea of it a bit more.

[Chimaira_Devil_#9]

Brilliant article. I really want Gomer back next year.

[Chuck the Duck]

Very good read.  I have to say, I thought giving him a tryout and signing him was another instance of Lou going back to the well one too many times.  But he has played well and deserves his ice time.   His story has been 1 of the brighter spots of an otherwise dismal season.  Hope they bring him back on a 1 year deal next season.

[Colorado Rockies 1976]

Brilliant article. I really want Gomer back next year.

 

Why do you want him back?  I'm not asking in a "what are you, nuts?" kind of way...I want to see if your reasoning lines up with mine at all.

 

I want him back because he's a guy who clearly now appreciates the game and being with the Devils organization more than ever.  I think guys like this are important in that "bridge the gap" kind of way...they stay positive when things get tough (and they probably be will tough for the foreseeable future), and like Nieuwendyk did for Gomez, they can share the lessons they've learned along the way with younger players.  I'm not saying you need a lockerroom full of guys like this, but I think having two or three can definitely help a lot during the transition/losing period.  It sounds like Gomer is very much ready to be this kind of presence. 

Edited March 13, 2015 by Colorado Rockies 1976

[Derlique]

Gomez will never win back every fan but I'm glad he's had this opportunity. He deserves to be remembered as one of the most talented Devils in team history and arguably been the best this year!

[StormJosh]

Is there anybody out there in the hockey universe who doesn't have immense respect for LL assuming they spent more than 5 minutes with the guy?

[Chimaira_Devil_#9]

Why do you want him back? I'm not asking in a "what are you, nuts?" kind of way...I want to see if your reasoning lines up with mine at all.

I want him back because he's a guy who clearly now appreciates the game and being with the Devils organization more than ever. I think guys like this are important in that "bridge the gap" kind of way...they stay positive when things get tough (and they probably be will tough for the foreseeable future), and like Nieuwendyk did for Gomez, they can share the lessons they've learned along the way with younger players. I'm not saying you need a lockerroom full of guys like this, but I think having two or three can definitely help a lot during the transition/losing period. It sounds like Gomer is very much ready to be this kind of presence.

I think first off, his on ice performance has merited at least another year. He has worked hard and he brings play making to a team which is vastly devoid of offensive skill.

Also even before this piece was published. I got the general sense that this was some sort of redemption for Gomer. Like he was enjoying himself and had come back home.

Reading this has just solidified the feelings I had before.

And I agree with your veteran locker room presence. I think know it's important to have guys like Gomer and Tootoo. If anything they show the kids what a privilege playing in the league is.

Finally, I feel he can be had at a reasonable price. And won't handicap the organisation going forward.

[Colorado Rockies 1976]

I think first off, his on ice performance has merited at least another year. He has worked hard and he brings play making to a team which is vastly devoid of offensive skill.

Also even before this piece was published. I got the general sense that this was some sort of redemption for Gomer. Like he was enjoying himself and had come back home.

Reading this has just solidified the feelings I had before.

And I agree with your veteran locker room presence. I think know it's important to have guys like Gomer and Tootoo. If anything they show the kids what a privilege playing in the league is.

Finally, I feel he can be had at a reasonable price. And won't handicap the organisation going forward.

 

Chico used to hammer that point home with the Rockies and Devils...I saw an interview he did as a Rocky during an intermission (January 1982), and he said that no one was going to feel sorry for them because of all of the losing and the fact that relocation rumors were swirling daily (and becoming a distraction, as players were constantly being asked about it).  He basically said that everyone was being well-paid to play a game, and that moping and sulking about their less-than-ideal situation wasn't going to do any of them any good.  A guy like Gomer has obviously been through some bad times, and can put things in perspective for young kids:  "Oh yeah, think you have it tough?  Try having 20,000 or so booing you every time you touch the puck, or seeing a website dedicated to one thing:  the next time you score a goal, and not in a good way!  It could be a lot worse kid!"

Edited March 13, 2015 by Colorado Rockies 1976

[Neb00rs]

Really love the Players' Tribune; it's really cool to see the players express their voices in writing. Sean Avery had an article in there a few months back about how hockey players don't make much money. It was surprisingly coherent, if somewhat simplistic.

[Neb00rs]

His opening hit really hard:

But then there I was, sitting on the bench for the Montreal Canadiens, watching our home fans in the stands dancing around in sombreros and singing “Happy Birthday” in honor of my one-year goal drought.

 

By that point, I was fully aware of my poor play. My lack of scoring was the subject of TV reports, newspaper columns and, yes, its own website. But it was at that moment, serving as the butt of a bad joke for 20,000 fans at the Bell Centre, that it hit me hardest.

 

Oh and I love this:

 

 

I remember when I was with Canadiens and things weren’t going well, we had a game in Montreal against the Devils. We lost and I had a terrible game, but afterwards I asked a trainer if I could speak with Lou – we hadn’t talked since I left the Devils. In natural form, Lou had me meet him in some private room that he somehow knew about in the depths of the Bell Centre.

[DJ Eco]

Awesome article.

[MadDog2020]

That was a great read. Atta boy Gomer.

[BostonNala370]

Gomez is delivering Marketing 101, and I love it. Gomez sign me for another year. OH yeah. Great move.

He has earned another year.

Especially if you consider keeping,: Tootoo, Ruutu, Zubrus, Briener, Giota, Havlet, Fraser, Harrold, Gelinas, Salvador, Clowe and Ryder.

Way to go Scott.

Edited March 14, 2015 by BostonNala370

[AEWHistory]

Why do you want him back?  I'm not asking in a "what are you, nuts?" kind of way...I want to see if your reasoning lines up with mine at all.

 

I want him back because he's a guy who clearly now appreciates the game and being with the Devils organization more than ever.  I think guys like this are important in that "bridge the gap" kind of way...they stay positive when things get tough (and they probably be will tough for the foreseeable future), and like Nieuwendyk did for Gomez, they can share the lessons they've learned along the way with younger players.  I'm not saying you need a lockerroom full of guys like this, but I think having two or three can definitely help a lot during the transition/losing period.  It sounds like Gomer is very much ready to be this kind of presence.

I think he is also hungry for redemption. In the past he's been knocked for being sloppy or lazy, or the expectations were simply too high, but he does seem more mature. However, maturity wouldn't be enough if he didn't still have the talent and passion. I think he has the passion because he wants to (not sure how to put this) restore his former reputation or maybe go out on a high note instead of as a player nobody wanted. Something like that. I haven't watched enough to see if the talent is still there, but just what I've read makes me think the passion is...

[AEWHistory]

His opening hit really hard:

 

Oh and I love this:

"I remember when I was with Canadiens and things weren’t going well, we had a game in Montreal against the Devils. We lost and I had a terrible game, but afterwards I asked a trainer if I could speak with Lou – we hadn’t talked since I left the Devils. In natural form, Lou had me meet him in some private room that he somehow knew about in the depths of the Bell Centre."

It really does give the impression that LL knows about little nooks and crannies of the Bell Centre that even the Canadiens don't know. Sounds almost mafia-esque.

I think first off, his on ice performance has merited at least another year. He has worked hard and he brings play making to a team which is vastly devoid of offensive skill.

Also even before this piece was published. I got the general sense that this was some sort of redemption for Gomer. Like he was enjoying himself and had come back home.

Reading this has just solidified the feelings I had before.

And I agree with your veteran locker room presence. I think know it's important to have guys like Gomer and Tootoo. If anything they show the kids what a privilege playing in the league is.

Finally, I feel he can be had at a reasonable price. And won't handicap the organisation going forward.

Great minds think alike....

[Colorado Rockies 1976]

I think he is also hungry for redemption. In the past he's been knocked for being sloppy or lazy, or the expectations were simply too high, but he does seem more mature. However, maturity wouldn't be enough if he didn't still have the talent and passion. I think he has the passion because he wants to (not sure how to put this) restore his former reputation or maybe go out on a high note instead of as a player nobody wanted. Something like that. I haven't watched enough to see if the talent is still there, but just what I've read makes me think the passion is...

Re: expectations being high...I think one thing that's hurt him a little through the years is that he came into the league and right from the get-go was basically the Gomez that he would be through most of his prime years...not much of a development or learning curve. Unfortunately, when someone turns in a rookie year like his, right away it's "Man, imagine what he does as he improves! He could be putting up 80+, hell, even 90+ points!" When he didn't really get much better, it was easy to assume that he was lazy, complacent, or to outsiders, not being used correctly by the Devils to tap all of his potential.

Then of course, he has that 33-goal season, and a lot of people assume he's figured something out and is now going to do this for the rest of his prime years. I remember debating with some fans at the time about how I thought that Gomez would never have a goal-scoring season like that again...some agreed, but many didn't. Then a team like the Rangers swoops in, pays him superstar dollars, and probably thinks that they've signed a perennial 25-to-30 goal scorer and 50-60 assist man, partly because they think they'll "use him right". Right from the start, in Rangerland the "real" Gomez isn't going to be enough for them. I remember so many dopey Ranger fans proclaiming "Duuuuuuuh, howz it gonna feel when Gomez is puttin up a hundred points in a Ran-ja unifawm? Cause he ain't stuck play in' da trap wid us!"

Anyway, yeah, he seems to have learned a lot through the years. Unfortunately I won't be surprised if his numbers dip next year...not because he won't have the same passion that he has now, but simply because he's getting old, and may not be able to overcome that no matter how hard he works or how hard he tries.

Edited March 14, 2015 by Colorado Rockies 1976

[caron14]

good read... Really good one.

[mfitz804]

I think first off, his on ice performance has merited at least another year. He has worked hard and he brings play making to a team which is vastly devoid of offensive skill.

Also even before this piece was published. I got the general sense that this was some sort of redemption for Gomer. Like he was enjoying himself and had come back home.

Reading this has just solidified the feelings I had before.

And I agree with your veteran locker room presence. I think know it's important to have guys like Gomer and Tootoo. If anything they show the kids what a privilege playing in the league is.

Finally, I feel he can be had at a reasonable price. And won't handicap the organisation going forward.

He missed 24 games to start the year and he's still 4th on the team in points. There is zero question I'd bring him back, and if he's reasonable what he's asking for, I might even give him 2 years.

[Chuck the Duck]

Re: expectations being high...I think one thing that's hurt him a little through the years is that he came into the league and right from the get-go was basically the Gomez that he would be through most of his prime years...not much of a development or learning curve. Unfortunately, when someone turns in a rookie year like his, right away it's "Man, imagine what he does as he improves! He could be putting up 80+, hell, even 90+ points!" When he didn't really get much better, it was easy to assume that he was lazy, complacent, or to outsiders, not being used correctly by the Devils to tap all of his potential.

Then of course, he has that 33-goal season, and a lot of people assume he's figured something out and is now going to do this for the rest of his prime years. I remember debating with some fans at the time about how I thought that Gomez would never have a goal-scoring season like that again...some agreed, but many didn't. Then a team like the Rangers swoops in, pays him superstar dollars, and probably thinks that they've signed a perennial 25-to-30 goal scorer and 50-60 assist man, partly because they think they'll "use him right". Right from the start, in Rangerland the "real" Gomez isn't going to be enough for them. I remember so many dopey Ranger fans proclaiming "Duuuuuuuh, howz it gonna feel when Gomez is puttin up a hundred points in a Ran-ja unifawm? Cause he ain't stuck play in' da trap wid us!"

Anyway, yeah, he seems to have learned a lot through the years. Unfortunately I won't be surprised if his numbers dip next year...not because he won't have the same passion that he has now, but simply because he's getting old, and may not be able to overcome that no matter how hard he works or how hard he tries.

Come on now CR...everyone knows it's Rangerstown, not Rangersland.

[jim777]

http://www.theplayerstribune.com/not-done/

 

Pretty interesting article by Gomer, he covers most of his career. Lots of positive things to say about the Devils, Lou, Stevens, Oates, etc. A couple of quotes stood out to me.

 

That was great, thanks for posting