7-Year Veteran Announces Retirement Due To Multiple Concussions

Finnish NHL forward Joonas Donskoi, aged 31, recently made a heartfelt announcement via his social media accounts, revealing his retirement from professional hockey.

His decision to step away from the game was primarily motivated by a series of concussions he endured throughout his seven-season career.

Donskoi's final season was marked by his absence from the Seattle Kraken's roster due to his seventh concussion, which he sustained during a preseason game.

Joonas Donskoi, who has suffered multiple concussions over his career, has retired at the age of 31, he announced on Instagram. pic.twitter.com/NUgRsJbxIn
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) August 28, 2023

In his Instagram post, Donskoi opened up about the emotional struggle of departing from a sport that has been an integral part of his life.

He emphasized that, while it was a challenging decision, safeguarding his well-being and securing his future were paramount. His journey in the NHL began after being drafted by the Florida Panthers in 2010, leading to a decent career that saw him amass 208 points across 474 regular-season games.

Donskoi's contributions extended to various teams, including the San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche, and the Kraken. Notably, he left a mark on the playoffs, contributing 32 points in 69 games.

Joonas Donskoi has officially announced his retirement from the @NHL after 7 seasons.

Joonas was drafted 99th overall in the 2010 Entry Draft to the @FlaPanthers. He made his NHL debut with the @SanJoseSharks, and would go on to play in 424 regular-season games, scoring 208… pic.twitter.com/cafKIlW4Fq
— NHL Alumni (@NHLAlumni) August 29, 2023

Throughout his career, Donskoi grappled with recurring concussion issues, a concern that eventually steered him toward retirement.

Donskoi's gratitude extended to the organizations he played for, teammates, coaches, and fans, acknowledging the roles they played in shaping his memorable journey. Photo Credit: Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports