I still believe that Lemieux has more talent in him then 99% of the trapperazi in the NHL. To those who think he's hurt I think he can go the whole 6 games of this "let's make some money before we sit out a year" fiasco. He did the same thing before Salt Lake.
Has Nash played one serious game of hockey yet? I want to see him in a playoff game before I put him on this team.
Yzerman is IMHO the absolute biggest leader to have played in my lifetime. Sakic in 2nd. I only hope that Stevie Y's eye is not permanently damaged. I suspect not or they would have left room for the goon.
I think the nominations were done as a gesture to reward them for their contributions over the years. They are leaders and will contribute if they play, but given both their injury issues, the ball is now in their court to decide whether they can do it or not. There will be some roster shuffleing and I think there will be a few surprises at or before the training camp in August.
I think it's clear that Mario can still play better than most players in the NHL, and probably most of the guys already on the roster. A look at the numbers for the past couple of years supports that. If he's healthy, he'll contribute.
Leadership means very little.
Lemieux, Yzerman or any of the other players would have let Gretzky know if they weren't ready for the world cup. I'm sure they will be training hard before it all starts. Quite impressive stats for Lemieux for the games he has played!