Citing Concussions as the Cause
Donskoi's retirement announcement came via a tweet that stated he was retiring due to concussions, signaling the toll these injuries have taken on his career. His recent concussion, sustained during a pre-season game against the Vancouver Canucks on September 29th, 2022, served as the final straw.
A Thankful Farewell
In an Instagram post, Donskoi expressed gratitude to everyone for their support throughout his journey, signaling a transition to the next phase of his life.
Health and Family as Priority
Donskoi's decision to retire at 31 is rooted in safeguarding his health and family. Having endured a total of seven concussions, he recognized the need to prioritize his well-being and step away from the sport.Throughout his NHL career spanning 474 games, Donskoi showcased his skills by contributing 80 goals and 128 assists for a total of 208 points.
Joonas Donskoi's decision to retire underscores the ongoing conversation about player safety in professional sports, particularly in the face of head injuries. His choice serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges players navigate as they weigh their passion for the game against their long-term well-being.
POLL | ||
AOUT 28 | 73 ANSWERS NHL Forward Retires Young Due to Serious Health concerns Do you think the NHL player safety needs to do a better job? | ||
Yes | 61 | 83.6 % |
No | 12 | 16.4 % |
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