Anyone who's ever had the pleasure of meeting Ian Laperriere can understand why there was so much interest in him prior to the NHL trade deadline.
The Colorado Avalanche winger is one of the league's good guys, valued as much for his contributions off the ice as he is for his play on it.
"Anyone that watches him and knows his reputation can see that he has a big heart, he plays hard and stands up for his teammates," said Avalanche head coach Tony Granato. "He's a tremendous leader, a great energy guy and a great guy to have on your team. He's played hard for us all year, he plays the same way every game and he's a great guy for our young guys to learn from."
OLD SCHOOL
Laperriere is also one of the most respected players in the league. He's old school, one who has the utmost respect for an opponent, even when he's trying to punch their lights out.
Last week in a fight against Chicago Blackhawks centre Colin Fraser, Laperriere wrapped his arm around his opponent's head as they fell to the ice.
"If I hurt someone with my fist - which never happens the way I hit - it's one thing," Laperriere said. "But I didn't want him to hit his head on the ice. I've seen too many incidents like that and I just didn't want it to happen. I put my arm there to make sure he didn't bang his head. It was a reflex thing because he lost his helmet in the fight."
The Montreal native is in his 15th NHL season. He had seven goals and 10 assists heading into last night's game against the Edmonton Oilers.
Originally a seventh-round pick of the St. Louis Blues in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft, Laperriere, 35, is in his fourth year with the Avalanche.
"He's a really energetic guy in the room, he bounces off the walls," Granato said. "He's a guy that really drives the trainers nuts because he gets here early before the practices, early before the games.
"His preparation and his professionalism is something that as a coach you'd love to have because you know the young guys are looking as him, having been in the league for a long time. He does all the little things to make sure he's ready from a preparation standpoint and a work ethic standpoint. He's a tremendous leader."
Laperriere is one of those guys that gets it. He appreciates the fact he's one of the lucky few with the privilege of playing in the NHL. He enjoys everything about the game, which clearly comes across when talking to him.
"I'm sure there is going to be a future for him post-hockey," Granato smiled. "I'm sure they'll find something for him for sure."
His tenacity on the ice and leadership abilities off it were the reasons teams had inquired about Laperriere leading up to the trade deadline. The Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins were said to have made a pitch for him.
"It was bit flattering for me to hear those teams out there that were interested in me," Laperriere said. "I'm 35, so it was surprising that there were some teams still coming after me. It's flattering to think that those pretty good teams would think that I can help their team.
"On the other hand, I like it here and I want to finish my career here. They know that and we've talked about that in the past. I didn't want to leave, but if I left I would have gone to a good team and maybe had a chance to win the Cup."
SIGNED AS FREE AGENT
Prior to signing with the Avalanche as a free agent in 2004, Laperriere spent nine seasons with the Los Angeles Kings. He also had a brief stint with the New York Rangers after starting his career with the Blues.
A UFA at the end of this season, negotiations have already begun with the Avalanche on a new deal.
"We are negotiating right now," Laperriere said. "We're still a little bit far apart, but hopefully we can get somewhere at some point where both sides are going to be happy."
