Derek Dorsett's Career Over

amnesiac

Space Oddity
Jul 10, 2010
13,758
7,626
Montreal
Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) | Twitter

DP45kimWAAEcXKu.jpg
 

Snakepit

Registered User
Nov 19, 2013
6,110
1,769
Damn that sucks. As much as I've disliked the guy on the ice over the years you never want to see a career end for anything other than getting too old and slow.

Good luck Derek
 
  • Like
Reactions: JuniorNelson

ScottishCanuck

Registered User
May 9, 2010
3,004
1,810
Scotland
Vancouver, BC - Vancouver Canucks General Manager, Jim Benning announced today that Derek Dorsett will not return to the Canucks active roster due to health reasons and risks associated with playing. Dorsett has played 515 NHL games through 10 seasons (51-76-127) with three teams (Columbus, New York Rangers, Vancouver).

Dorsett's care, led by Canucks Head Team Physician Dr. Bill Regan and Director Rehabilitation, Dr. Rick Celebrini, began with a treatment and rehabilitation regimen to address an ongoing condition. In December of 2016 the decision to perform cervical disc herniation surgery was made and performed by Dr. Robert Watkins.
Following surgery Dorsett progressed through successful treatment and rehabilitation, consistent with expectations, and was cleared to play at the start of the 2017.18 season. Recently, symptoms of neck and back stiffness presented.

Dr. Bill Regan:
"We've evaluated Derek's health and fitness to play consistent with every player's medical history. When his latest symptoms presented we immediately took the precaution of removing him from the line-up to carry out a thorough evaluation, including consultation with Dr. Watkins. His pre-existing conditions, combined with the recent surgery and the risks associated with continuing to play led to a recommendation that Derek seriously consider not playing again."

Dr. Robert Watkins:
"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. Watkins. "Given his current condition and the long-term, significant health risks, I advised Derek not to return to play."

Derek Dorsett:
"I'm devastated by the news. It will take a long time for this to truly sink in. 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," continued 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."

Jim Benning:
"Derek overcame the odds to make the NHL and play over 500 games," said Jim Benning. "He's an example of what you can accomplish when you persevere. He is a great teammate, a terrific role model and leader for younger players. This is truly unfortunate news for Derek, his family and our team. We will be there every step of the way to support him, his wife Ali and his family as they take the next steps in their lives."

Dorsett will conduct media availability at a date in the near future
 
  • Like
Reactions: Aeroforce

Guardian452

Registered User
Jun 10, 2011
1,301
331
Short story, his playing style unfortunately resulted in repetitve strain injuries which ultimately ended his career.

Longer explanation, he had a herniated disk in his neck which sidelined him most of last season. He had it operated on about a year ago. Took him about 9 months of rehab before he returned to the ice. He was fine for the first month of the season and was playing the best hockey of his career, unfortunately, he started feeling back and neck stiffness which was a symptom of the neck injury. So doctors have advised him to retire.
 

llamateizer

Registered User
Mar 16, 2007
13,690
6,793
Montreal
Sucks for him since he was having a career high season.
But great decision for his health. I hope that he will get paid for his last 2 years
 

stuffradio

Registered User
Oct 3, 2012
2,837
62
Vancouver
Wow, that is a huge turn of events. That's terrible, but what a way to end your career, on a shortened year with more goals than you ever scored before!
 

Cquant

Registered User
May 14, 2015
798
137
For context, he got injured last year and had neck surgery. Came back into the year and played very well. He went with the team on the current road trip but turned back to LA because of a tingling feeling.

Good luck Dorsett, you had a great last season!

 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Chairman Maouth

boyko10

44-11-9
Apr 27, 2017
626
434
So sad when someone is forced to give up what they love. I guess you gotta be thankful it's not life-threatening and be proud of the years you did get to play. Guy has his priorities straight, glad he has a family and time to appreciate it more as of now, not all do. All the best, Derek.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Chairman Maouth

JumpierPegasus

Registered User
Mar 3, 2011
5,657
3,028
Abbotsford, BC
The guy went out with a bang, what an awesome season he has had. And the fact that he played so many years in the NHL with that neck problem is crazy (especially with the way he played)

Guy was heart and soul, say what you will about Benning giving him that contract, but he seemed like a fantastic locker room guy who stood up for his teammates. This team is a lot less tough without him, and it really sucks that this ended his career. Was hoping we could re-sign him this offseason. Life and family come first though and I hope his recovery goes well
 
  • Like
Reactions: Chairman Maouth

Ad

Upcoming events

Ad

Ad