Chris Chelios is, by all accounts, a freak of nature. In a good way, of course.

At a time when most men his age are dumping money into individual retirement accounts, Chelios is making another comeback, this time as a 48-year-old defenseman for the Atlanta Thrashers.

Chelios played his first NHL game since May 27, 2009, when he suited up against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday. For a little perspective, Chelios is 30 years older than his youngest teammate, rookie forward Evander Kane. [...]