Joonas Donskoi, after seven years in the NHL, has made the difficult decision to retire from professional hockey. His last stint was with the Seattle Kraken, playing 75 games in the 2021-2022 season.
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.
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.
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.
