Norris Trophies won in Chicago: 2 Norris Trophies won in Detroit: 1 Number of seasons, 40+ points in Chicago: 7 Number of seasons, 40+ points in Detroit: 0 Number of Stanley Cup Final Appearances, Chicago: 1 Number of Stanley Cup Final Appearances, Detroit: 1 I'm thinking you are taking his "rejection" of Chicago a bit too seriously if you really believe that he was significantly better in Detroit than in Chicago.
Chelios only appeared to perform better in Detroit. When you have a surrounding ensemble like that in Detroit, everyone looks better. You can't measure Chelios' accomplishments by the success (or lack thereof) of his team. I miss Cheli in Chicago but do not fault him for going to a dominant team. Christ, look at the Hawks now. Who can blame him? As long as Wirtz has a stranglehold on that team, I wouldn't wish playing on that team on my worst enemy. Anyhow, good on Chelios for going another round.
I for one am glad that he is coming back for another year. His offensive side of the game has lacked for a couple of years now, but his defensive skills are some of the best in the game. Well, except for the playoffs, that is. But Cheli is in better shape than 90% of the league, and 100% of the league would agree with me on that assessment. Here is one article on how much of a workhorse he is. I hated the guy in Chicago, but love him here in Detroit. If opposing players and fans don't hate him, than he's not doing his job. He brings decades of wisdom to a team -- just ask Jiri Fischer. Before Fisch's heart condition sidelined him, he credited his "better all-around game" to Chelios. His first priority is defense, anything else is just a bonus. I can't think of a better D-Man for my penalty kill, except for Lidstrom.
