An unfortunate end to an utterly compelling career.
Former Columbus Blue Jacket and current Vancouver Canuck Derek Dorsett won't be returning to the ice due to health concerns and "risks associated with playing."
In December 2016, Dorsett underwent a cervical disc herniation surgery. He was able to fully recover and train, being completely cleared for the 2017-18 season – but neck pain and stiffness recently returned.
"As hard as it was to hear, Dr. Watkins' diagnosis is definitive. There is no grey area, and it gives me clarity to move forward. I have a healthy young family and a long life of opportunities ahead of me."– Derek Dorsett reflecting on his career-ending injury
"The latest evaluation of Derek's neck revealed that he's sustained a cervical disc herniation adjacent and separate to his previous fusion," said Dr. Robert Watkins, who performed Dorsett's initial surgery. "Given his current condition and the long-term, significant health risks, I advised Derek not to return to play."
"I'm devastated by the news. It will take a long time for this to truly sink in," said Dorsett in a team press release. "As hard as it was to hear, Dr. Watkins' diagnosis is definitive. There is no grey area, and it gives me clarity to move forward. I have a healthy young family and a long life of opportunities ahead of me. Hockey taught me a lot and it will help me be successful in whatever I choose to do in the future.
"I still have so many thoughts to share and people to thank for all of their support," said Dorsett. "What I can say for certain right now is that I left it all out on the ice. I gave my heart and soul to the teams I played for and never backed down from a challenge, including this one. I am proud of the way I played. It made me successful and a good teammate. Most of all I am truly honoured and grateful to have lived the NHL dream."
Dorsett is known around the league as a player that caused problems for opposing teams. He regularly mixed it up while pitching in offensively, as well. He is third all-time in penalty minutes while with the Blue Jackets with 727. He also had the second most penalty minutes in a season for a Blue Jacket in 2011-2012 with 235.
Dors played the game the way it should be played. I learned a lot from him my first few years in the league. Sad to hear the news, but I know he will be successful in whatever he chooses to do! @Twigy15 https://t.co/ghQNr7AfPa
— Matthew Calvert (@mattcalvert11) November 30, 2017
In 280 games with the Blue Jackets, Dorsett scored 27 goals and 38 assists for a total of 65 points. In his best season with the Blue Jackets, he posted 12 goals with eight assists for a total of 20 points during the 2011-12 campaign.
In 20 games with the Canucks this season, Dorsett posted seven goals and two assists for a total of nine points. He was on pace to post career highs in multiple categories.
A solid player during a dark time in Blue Jackets history, Dorsett won't soon be forgotten by the Blue Jackets community.
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