Today marks another piece of the childhood/teenage years biting the dust. Owen Nolan officially announced his retirement yesterday, and while he was never the breakout star that many envisioned when he was the first overall pick in 1990, he more than held his own. His place in history is one of a great power forward who had the misfortune of bad timing, as in he was traded to San Jose the year Colorado won their first Stanley Cup (also their first year in Denver after being in Quebec since 1979). Nolan made the most of his time in San Jose, being the face of the franchise from 1996 until his trade to Toronto, meaning that he was there for the good times and bad times. In addition, he also spent time with Minnesota, Calgary, and Phoenix, and he was one of the last cuts in training camp with Vancouver prior to this season. 442 goals, 463 assists, and 1,793 PIM later, Nolan's place in the Hall of Fame is not assured, but if you're a Sharks fan, Nolan's place in history is assured, and his number will likely be the first to be raised in HP Pavillion.
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