Pittsburgh Penguins left-winger Pascal Dupuis has decided to retire, citing continued issues with the blood clots that prematurely ended his 2014-15 season.
Dupuis, 36, has been with the Penguins since 2008 and won a Stanley Cup with the club in 2009.
“It was very difficult for me to make this decision to have to step away from the game,” Dupuis said in a press release. “My wife and four children have always been my first priority, and playing with my condition has become a constant worry for all of us. I want to thank my teammates and the Penguins organization for their unwavering support during this difficult time.”
Since his return at the beginning of the season, Dupuis had two setbacks that caused him to miss games.
“Despite playing on a medical protocol that has worked for other players in the NHL, we feel that the risk of Pascal playing with his condition and the side effects of the tests to monitor him are just not in the best interest of his long-term health,” said Penguins team physical Dr. Dharmesh Vyas.
Dupuis career had been marred by setback the last two seasons. In addition to his blood clots, he also missed 43 due to a knee injury in 2013-14.
“I feel very badly for Pascal,” Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford said. “I’ve never seen a man more determined to play and more determined to help his team. Unfortunately, we’ve reached the point where it’s not in the best interest of his health to allow him to do that anymore.”
His best statistical season came in the lock-shortened 2012-13 season, when he scored 20 goals (18 at even strength) and 18 assists in just 48 games.
Dupuis finishes his career with 871 games played, 190 goals and 219 assists for 409 points. He came over to the Penguins in a trade-deadline deal from the Atlanta Thrashers along with Marian Hossa in exchange for Colby Armstrong, Erik Christensen, Angelo Esposito and a first-round draft pick.
Photo credit: NHL.com
