Pascal Dupuis’ NHL career has come to an end.
The Pittsburgh Penguins forward announced his retirement Tuesday, citing a medical condition related to blood clots.
“It was very difficult for me to make this decision to have to step away from the game,” Dupuis said in a statement released by the team. “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.”
The 36-year-old previously was diagnosed with blood clots in January and November of 2014. He was limited to 39 games during the 2013-14 season — during which he also suffered a torn ACL — and 16 games in 2014-15.
Dupuis was able to play in 18 of Pittsburgh’s first 26 games this season while taking blood thinners, but he reportedly had to exit several of them early to undergo medical tests.
“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,” Dr. Dharmesh Vyas, the Penguins’ team physician, said in the statement.
Dupuis played with four teams during his 15-year NHL career, with his most productive campaign (25 goals, 34 assists) coming for the Penguins in 2011-12. The team intends to place him on long-term injured reserve and will continue to honor his contract, which expires after next season.
“I feel very badly for Pascal,” Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford said in the statement. “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.”
Thumbnail photo via Kevin Hoffman/USA TODAY Sports Images
