Veteran forward Joonas Donskoi announced his retirement from professional hockey in a social media post shared on Sunday. Donskoi is walking away from the game after spending seven seasons in the NHL, during which he played for the San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche, and Seattle Kraken.
According to Donskoi, he decided to retire due to “multiple concussions” he suffered over the course of his pro career and said it was the right decision for his own “well being and future.”
“Thank you, San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche, and Seattle Kraken,” Donskoi wrote in a statement shared on Instagram. “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.”
Donskoi saw his last action in the NHL in the 2021-22 season when he scored two goals and added 20 assists in 75 games with the Kraken. The 31-year-old suffered a concussion prior to the start of the 2022-23 campaign and hasn’t played since.
Donskoi has 474 career games in the NHL, having scored 80 goals and dished 128 assists for a total of 208 points. He also has 32 points in 69 games played in Stanley Cup playoffs.
