Joonas Donskoi is retiring from the NHL after seven seasons, he announced via social media Sunday.
“After suffering multiple concussions over my career I’ve decided to retire from professional hockey,” Donskoi said in his statement. “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 was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the fourth round of the 2010 NHL Draft, later making his professional debut during the 2015-16 season. The forward spent his first four years with the Sharks, tallying 283 of his 474 career games, 45 goals and 77 assists.
The 31-year-old then played two years with the Colorado Avalanche and one final season with the Seattle Kraken. Donskoi missed all of last season after suffering his seventh concussion during a Kraken’s preseason game.
“Thank you San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche and Seattle Kraken,” Donskoi said. “It was an honor to be part of these three world class organizations, cities and fanbases. To all my teammates, coaches, trainers, doctors, front offices, and fans: thank you for the best years of my life.”
He ended his statement saying, “Thank you to my wife, Devin, I don’t know where I’d be without…
