Concussions force NHL veteran Joonas Donskoi into early retirement at age 31
Donskoi did not play a single game with Seattle last season after sustaining the seventh concussion of his career during a preseason game.
Former San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche and Seattle Kraken forward Joonas Donskoi announced his retirement from the NHL on Sunday after seven seasons.
In his retirement post on Instagram, the 31-year-old cited "multiple concussions" as the reason for hanging up the skates. Donskoi did not play a single game during the 2022-23 campaign after sustaining the seventh concussion of his career during a preseason game last September.
"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," Donskoi wrote.
"I got to live my dream of being an NHL player, which I'm extremely blessed and grateful for. I think I was able to reach my own potential, which was always my biggest goal."
After detailing the reasoning for his retirement and expressing gratitude for his time in the NHL, Donskoi, who was taken No. 99 overall by the Florida Panthers in the 2010 draft, took time to praise his teammates and coaches, as well as the organizations he suited up for.
"It would not have been possible without so many people who helped me along the way," he said.
"Thank you San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche and Seattle Kraken. It was an honor to be part of these three world-class organizations, cities and fan bases. To all of 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."
The Raahe, Finland product tallied 80 goals and 128 assists for 208 points over 474 regular-season games with the Sharks, Avs and Kraken. Donskoi also added 15 goals and 17 assists for 32 points in 69 career playoff games.
