Changes

The Penguins, meanwhile, were forced to declare bankruptcy in November 1998 as a result of years of overspending. Lemieux, who was owed over $30 million in deferred salary, was one of the team's biggest creditors. Lemieux presented a plan to convert his earnings into equity in the team, which would make him the majority owner. His plan was approved, and Lemieux took control of the team in September 1999.

The Penguins, meanwhile, were forced to declare bankruptcy in November 1998 as a result of years of overspending. Lemieux, who was owed over $30 million in deferred salary, was one of the team's biggest creditors. Lemieux presented a plan to convert his earnings into equity in the team, which would make him the majority owner. His plan was approved, and Lemieux took control of the team in September 1999.

Surprisingly, Lemieux emerged from retirement on December 27, 2000, becoming the first player-owner in NHL history. He continued to be a productive scorer upon his return, but in the following years his comeback would be hampered by continuing health issues and the NHL lockout. Citing frustration with his level of play, as well as concern over a recently diagnosed heart condition, Lemieux retired for a second time on January 24, 2006.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/25/sports/hockey/25lemieux.html Lemieux Retires, This Time for Good]</ref>

Surprisingly, Lemieux emerged from retirement on December 27, 2000, becoming the first player-owner in NHL history. He continued to be a productive scorer upon his return, but in the following years his comeback would be hampered by continuing health issues and an NHL lockout. Citing frustration with his level of play, as well as concern over a recently diagnosed heart condition, Lemieux retired for a second time on January 24, 2006.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/25/sports/hockey/25lemieux.html Lemieux Retires, This Time for Good]</ref>

==References==

==References==