NHL Rumors: Blue Jackets' Forward May Be Forced Into Early Retirement

The Columbus Blue Jackets continue to be handed more bad injury news as the career of one of their top forwards, Jakub Voracek, is in jeopardy.

Voracek suffered another concussion, one of many in his career. General manager Jarmo Kekalainen said that the veteran could be facing an early retirement due to this concern. The GM also said he is "more worried about him having a normal life" as opposed to seeing Voracek return to hockey.

He has played just 11 games this season and has been out of action since Nov. 4. With one goal and six points this season, the Blue Jackets could have used his point production and leadership this season. He is just one of many players for the team who has been injured this season.

Voracek has played 15 seasons in a successful NHL career and is a six-time 20 goal scorer. He is in the second season with the Blue Jackets after scoring six goals and 62 points in 79 games last season. He has a cap hit of $8.25 million AAV for this season and next. Seeing how the team is close to the salary cap when healthy, an early retirement could work in their favour. Voracek isn't an $8.25 million player anymore, and possibly only was for a few seasons. This will allow for the Blue Jackets to insert more of their young forwards into the lineup and have the financial freedom to help themselves out for next season.

At the very least, it will be a while until we find out more about Voracek's health.