BREAKING | Kraken forward announces his retirement at only thirty-one due to health concerns
The announcement just broke that the former Kraken, Shark and Avalanche forward Joonas Donskoi decided to retire after accumulating too many concussions.
Only 31, the forward participated in 75 NHL games with the Seattle Kraken in 2021-2022 but cumulated only 22 points. In 2022-2023, the forward was kept off the ice for constant concussion symptoms.
The forward issued the following statement via his personal Instagram account:
�'To everyone who has supported me on and off the ice,
After suffering multiple concussions over my career I've decided to retire from professional hockey.
It is extremely hard to let go of something you have put your whole life into, but at this point I know it's the right decision for my own well being and future. I got to live my dream of being an NHL player, which l'm extremely blessed and greatful for. I think I was able to reach my own potential, which was always my biggest goal.
It would not have been possible without so many people who helped me along the way. Thank you San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche and Seattle Kraken. It was an honor to be part of these 3 world class organizations, cities and fanbases. To all my teammates, coaches, trainers, doctors, front offices, and fans: thank you for the best years of my life. I met so many great people and lifelong friends, on and off the ice.
Thank you Steve and the whole Bartlett family for representing me throughout my NHL career, and for helping me transition into life post hockey.
Thank you to my wife, Devin, I don't know where I'd be without you. I've been out of it many times over the past years, and you have stuck by me and supported me everyday. I am looking forward to putting our family first now.
I love you, Declan and J.''
After suffering multiple concussions over my career I've decided to retire from professional hockey.
It is extremely hard to let go of something you have put your whole life into, but at this point I know it's the right decision for my own well being and future. I got to live my dream of being an NHL player, which l'm extremely blessed and greatful for. I think I was able to reach my own potential, which was always my biggest goal.
It would not have been possible without so many people who helped me along the way. Thank you San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche and Seattle Kraken. It was an honor to be part of these 3 world class organizations, cities and fanbases. To all my teammates, coaches, trainers, doctors, front offices, and fans: thank you for the best years of my life. I met so many great people and lifelong friends, on and off the ice.
Thank you Steve and the whole Bartlett family for representing me throughout my NHL career, and for helping me transition into life post hockey.
Thank you to my wife, Devin, I don't know where I'd be without you. I've been out of it many times over the past years, and you have stuck by me and supported me everyday. I am looking forward to putting our family first now.
I love you, Declan and J.''
Donskoi was a 2010 4th Round Pick who debuted his career with the San Jose Sharks. He then joined the Colorado Avalanche before ending up with the Seattle Kraken in their debut. He took part in 474 NHL games, during which he collected 208 points.
We, CanucksDaily, wish to send our best wishes to Joonas and his family in his transition to retirement and hope for a speedy recovery.
| POLL | ||
Should the NHL take a deeper look into their concussion protocols? | ||
| Yes | 311 | 64.9 % |
| No, they're doing their best | 92 | 19.2 % |
| Protection should be better | 76 | 15.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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