After having a huge breakout year in 2005-2006, Jonathan Cheechoo would watch as his career slowly plummeted down the drain. Cheechoo scored 56 goals and had 37 assists in that breakout year of his, setting a franchise record. He still holds San Jose’s single-season goal record with the 56 mark he hit roughly 5 years ago. The acquisition of Joe Thornton early that season is what led to Cheechoo’s success. Of his 56 goals, 49 of them came from the 57 games he played alongside Jumbo Joe. However, the chemistry between Joe and Jonathan would slowly decline over time. The following season Cheechoo managed to net 37 goals totaling for a very respectable 69 points. It was a big dip from his 93 the year before, but was a very solid contribution from the first line winger. Management signed him to a 5 year extension and seemed confident that Cheechoo’s scoring would improve or at least remain consistent. But Cheechoo’s production took a very steep drop in the 2007-2008 season and then dropped even lower for the 2008-2009 season. In the 07-08 season Cheechoo played 69 games and scored 23 times with a point total of 37. These 3 totals all dropped yet again in the 08-09 season where scored a measly 12 goals in 66 games notching just 29 points. Since that huge season of his, Jonathan watched his goal total, point total, and games played total all decline. His career as a whole continued to decline. That’s when Cheechoo saw a change of scenery for the first time in years. He was traded to Ottawa along with linemate Milan Michalek for super-star forward Dany Heatley. Perhaps this change of scenery would help Cheechoo in the long run. Sure, he wasn’t getting first line minutes anymore, but back before the lockout he managed to score 28 times on a grinder line alongside Scott Thornton and Mike Ricci. Was Ottawa the change he needed? No. No, it wasn’t. His stats dipped even lower as he only had 5 goals and 14 points in 61 games. The Senators eventually bought him out and Cheechoo was released to Free Agency. Jonathan Cheechoo, the single-season San Jose Sharks record holder garnered no interest during the summer as a Free Agent. How could such a promising young player’s career continue to digress? Cheechoo was never known for being a speedster on the ice, could that be the reason? Was he just lucky to have Joe Thornton those first few years? But even with Joe he was never able to match that outstanding 2005-2006 season of his. The mobility of Cheechoo seemed to have always been an issue and the forward has seen his share of injuries and has had a couple surgeries. The former Maurice ‘Rocket’ Richard Trophy winner received no contract offers this summer in Free Agency. However, the Dallas Stars are willing to give the 30 year old another chance. Cheechoo will fight for a roster spot and a contract offer in the Stars training camp. Although we may never see the 50+ goal scorer we saw in Cheechoo years ago, it would be sad to see such a player be forced into early retirement. It’s been a rollercoaster ride for Cheechoo, and it’s time for the coaster to start heading up again. Written by CJ CJ is the founder of the Blueline Crew hockey blog over at http://bluelinecrew.com . The Crew is currently previewing one NHL team for each day of September, so come over and check us out.
