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Former Oilers defenceman speaks up on mental health issues after a tough season
Photo credit: Imagn Images
In a recent Mercury News article, former-Oilers' defenseman Vincent Desharnais spoke honestly about his personal struggles following a 2024-25 campaign that saw him dress for three different teams.
You may recall that Desharnais was a feature on the Edmonton Oilers' blue line during the 2023-24 season, but was replaced in the lineup the deeper they got into their playoff run.
Former-Oiler opens-up on being traded three times in span of one NHL season
«It was just [about] getting traded, and I was in Pittsburgh for, I think, 34 days, and it's hard to find some comfort. You know, you're alone in all this,» Desharnais said in a recent article. «It was a good summer for me to flush all the negatives that happened. I've made a few changes. Did a lot of mental work. When the season ended, I was in a tough place mentally."
Though athletes are trained to deal with the business end of professional sports, when it happens repeatedly over a short period of time, it can certainly takes its toll on a player.
"You change teams. Things are not going your way. Get traded, get traded again. At some point, your confidence is kind of taking a hit. You're questioning yourself a lot."
Over the summer, however, Vincent took his time away from the game to recharge mentally, spending precious moments with his family, and personal-time surrounded by nature.
"I took a lot of time off in the woods and fishing and no phones, no social media, and that was very, very helpful. And I'm back. I'm ready. I feel good physically, feel good mentally."
It is, of course, encouraging to hear that Desharnais has put the trades behind him. He did, however, speak about his challenge of returning to the city where he had some success.
«Going back to Edmonton, and not playing this like every game is Stanley Cup Final [after] playing the whole season. Playing most playoffs, and at the end, you're not in, right away, you question yourself...It doesn't mean that [the Sharks] are going to hand me that role. We have a very competitive d-core, and it's good. It makes everyone kind of push, push each other.»
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 23 | 370 ANSWERS Former Oilers defenceman speaks up on mental health issues after a tough season Do you believe the NHL season is too long; that players should have more time to disengage from the game and recharge? | ||
| yes | 225 | 60.8 % |
| no | 145 | 39.2 % |
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