It was humbling to hear -- and, frankly, Paul Martin didn't want to listen.
The San Jose Sharks defenseman had undergone surgery over the summer to repair ligaments in his ankle. Three games into the season, he re-aggravated the injury and was sidelined for two months. He injured his back at the gym, setting him back even fourth. Finally, on Dec. 7, he returned to the Sharks' lineup against the Carolina Hurricanes. After the game, his coaches delivered some tough love: He still wasn't ready for prime time.