The Score is reporting that his most recent back injury could put him on the shelf for the rest of the season which in turn could finish his career.
That'd be a shame if its true. I've always liked to watch and root for Nieuwendyk, no matter who he was playing for.
On the other hand, it wouldn't be such a bad thing to have Assistant Coach Nieuwy back in the fold . . .
Considering he will retire in Ithaca, I think that is a good possibility.
TSN: "t's premature to say that [Nieuwendyk] has already made th[e] decision [to retire]." (http://www.tsn.ca/columnists/bob_mckenzie.asp)
USA Today:
The ailing back of Joe Nieuwendyk is getting better, and he might begin skating soon, according to the Miami Herald. "He's getting treatment and is getting better," Panthers coach Jacques Martin said. "It's going to be up to him; He knows how he feels and how he has progressed."