Veteran Winger Forced into Retirement at 31 After Serious Injuries
Calling It a Career
NHL forward Joonas Donskoi has announced his retirement from the game of hockey, according to a post from the player's Instagram account.
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«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 I'm extremely blessed and greatful [sic] for. I think I was able to reach my own potential, which was always my biggest goal.»
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 I'm extremely blessed and greatful [sic] for. I think I was able to reach my own potential, which was always my biggest goal.»
Seven Seasons in the Show
After seven seasons spent in the NHL, the 31-year-old Finnish winger hangs up his skates following stints with the San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche, and most recently, the Seattle Kraken. Donskoi didn't suit up during the 2022-23 season, as he'd spent the entirety of it dealing with severe symptoms from a concussion he suffered during last year's pre-season — the seventh of his career.
Donskoi suited up for 474 NHL regular season games, scoring 208 points (80 goals and 128 assists). He'd be even more impactful in the playoffs, playing at almost a half a point per game pace across 69 career postseason games. During his rookie campaign with the Sharks in 2015-16, he'd go all the way to the Stanley Cup Final. A 2010 fourth-round draft pick, Donskoi was one of the players selected by the Kraken in the 2021 expansion draft.
| POLL | ||
27 AOUT | 31 ANSWERS Veteran Winger Forced into Retirement at 31 After Serious Injuries Did Joonas Donskoi have a good NHL career despite his circumstances? | ||
| Yes | 20 | 64.5 % |
| No | 11 | 35.5 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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