Retired since 2013, former Habs color holder José Théodore is aware of the passage of time. So much so that today, it is his former teammates and opponents who lead the Canadian. Something he’s very proud of, though. Especially since he knows that these people they call friends are competent and represent good additions to the team of the metropolis.
Posted at 7:35 p.m.
“It sure calls me, because I’m part of their generation. They are all friends “, explained the one who played 648 games in the NHL, Monday, at the golf club Le Mirage, as part of the Omnium Théo & Louis, for the benefit of the Véro & Louis foundation and the CHU Sainte-Justine.
Martin-St-Louis, Vincent Lecavalier, Stéphane Robidas, Donald Audette and Martin Lapointe have one thing in common, according to Théodore: a passion for hockey. According to him, this is a fact that cannot lie.
“I like where it’s going. There are a lot of unknowns, like injuries and a lot of guys drafted, but the team is in good hands. I don’t think it’s for this year, but we are in the right direction. »
The importance of fishing well
Number 60 reminded us that even if the future of the club is promising, we must be careful not to get carried away too quickly. He says that the fact that the organization has gone through a 180 degree turn, that all the new leaders have arrived at the same time and that they are heading in the same direction is exciting. He is, however, realistic and believes that the work has only just begun.
To find the way to glory, the Canadian will have to fish well. According to Théodore, there are no other solutions.
You can’t make lemonade out of apples. So it takes tools, and I think it will come with the draft.
Jose Theodore
Théodore specifies that in a league where the salary cap dictates and limits the work of the leaders, it is important to train young players so that they can perform at a discount at 22 or 23, before breaking the bank at 27 or 28 years old. He cites as an example the case of Nathan MacKinnon, who a few days ago signed an agreement of more than 100 million dollars with the Colorado Avalanche.
“The draft is more important than ever and we have to focus on that,” he added.
Hard to understand Carey Price
Even if he evolved in the same shoes as Carey Price, it is difficult for Theodore to understand what the number 31 is going through.
Placed on the injured list and uncertain about his future, Price suffers from a lower body injury that limits him and has prevented him from playing for several seasons. The upcoming campaign will be no different and some fear Price may never play again.
However, Theodore unfortunately cannot identify with Price, because he has never been held back by serious injuries. Never has he been kept so far from action due to health issues. Over 16 seasons, Theodore estimates that he has missed a maximum of 50 games.
He clarifies that what is unfortunate in Price’s case is that his main problem is neither his contract nor his performance, but only his health. “I know the pressure of playing in Montreal and being number one, but not playing because of injuries, I don’t know that. I don’t know what he’s going through, ”said Théodore.
Sport for a good cause
Louis Morissette and José Théodore have come together to organize the Omnium which bears their names with the aim of raising funds for the benefit of the Véro & Louis Foundation as well as for the benefit of care, research and education. in neuromuscular diseases from the CHU Sainte-Justine and the Marie-Enfant Rehabilitation Center (CRME).
“It’s a conception of life. My sister was born with cerebral palsy, and I always watched my parents volunteer and quickly realized that we are not all born equal. And it infuriates me to see people who only think of themselves. So when you’re lucky enough to be healthy, to earn a good living and to have some leverage, you have to use it and return the favor,” explained Morissette on his motivations for getting involved again.
To raise funds, attendees could bet, during a silent auction, on items such as Félix Auger-Aliassime’s racquet, Auston Matthews’ jersey or Russell Martin’s glove.
“There is an emotion attached to sport. It’s not just practical, it’s emotional,” added the producer, screenwriter, actor and comedian.