A veteran goaltender with 17 seasons and 621 NHL games under his gloves is defying expectations by returning to professional hockey after multiple knee surgeries, including partial replacements. The 38-year-old’s resilience challenges the notion that elite athletes must retire after such extensive wear and tear, raising questions about longevity in high-impact sports. His decision to lace up again comes despite the physical toll of a career that has already seen significant medical intervention. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if his experience can translate back into top-tier performance.

EAST MEADOW, N.Y. -- Semyon Varlamov could have understandably put his goalie pads away after 17 NHL seasons, 621 games and two partial knee replacements. That’s right -- each of the 38-year-old’s ...