Roenick could be in lineup against the Flyers

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Jeremy Roenick was standing at the far end of the bar on Saturday night dressed in a cream-colored designer suit.

A procession of adoring fans rubbed elbows to greet him as he sipped club soda.

"We're doing a booming business," Roenick said about the Muze Lounge, a nightspot that opened last month, which he co-owns with restaurateur Bill Deacon. "We're going to open up in New York City soon. We've got to get back there and scout a location above 56th Street."

The former Blackhawk, Flyer and King is in the twilight of his career. Night is descending rapidly during his second time around with the Phoenix Coyotes.

"I've been good," J.R. said. "I'm strolling into retirement with a smile on my face regardless of how things happened this year, or how much I played."

The Muze has become his latest passion. It's a trendy club in sprawling Scottsdale that does a thriving business with a T-shirt collection.

Mark Grace, the former Cubs and Diamondbacks first baseman turned baseball broadcaster, walked in with his entourage. Roenick and Grace immediately began reminiscing about their playing days in the Windy City. Grace is a regular.

Hours earlier, the Coyotes lost their fifth straight game, 7-5, to Roenick's old club, the Chicago Blackhawks. J.R. was a healthy scratch.

"We're down, 4-0, in the first period," Roenick said. "I walked up on the concourse and went suite to suite, meeting people, thanking them for coming to the game, letting them know we care."

There is a chance Roenick will play tonight against the Flyers because of the Coyotes' injury situation. It could be the last time he gets a chance to suit up against his old team.

"I think I'm old enough to realize that perhaps my time in the game has passed," Roenick said.

It hasn't been an easy season for the 37-year-old center. He has appeared in 59 games, collecting seven goals and 13 assists, and is minus-16. Earlier this season, he got into a disagreement with coach Wayne Gretzky over his playing time, which came mostly on special teams and as a third-line center.

Gretzky told reporters that Roenick had to accept a new role, but he added that down the road, he could be part of the Coyotes organization in some other capacity.

"I have tremendous respect for Gretz," Roenick said. "He's been great to me. There are days when I feel I can play with these guys and then there are days when I feel I don't belong in the game."

Roenick has had other issues as well. His 13-year-old daughter, Brandi, an accomplished equestrian, was hospitalized over the Christmas holidays with a kidney ailment. Roenick took a brief leave for family reasons, but Brandi has since recovered.

"My daughter is one of the best riders in the country," J.R. says proudly.

Jeremy and Tracy Roenick have moved their family from Paradise Valley to Scottsdale, but they still own a horse farm.

After 18 NHL seasons, retirement will not come easy for Roenick. He needs just nine goals to hit the 500 plateau, and that is a milestone that beckons him.

"Is it the end for me?" he asked. "I don't know. I'm not closing the door. I would love to come back for another year. I'm so close to that milestone. I'd like to get it.

"I can't complain," J.R. said. "Going into retirement is a hard thing. Gretz is trying to send me out as easy as possible."

Loose pucks. The Flyers were officially eliminated from the playoffs late Saturday. . . . Simon Gagne, suffering from a groin pull, is scheduled to undergo an MRI exam today.