Joonas Donskoi Announces Retirement from the NHL After Seven Seasons
Joonas Donskoi, the talented forward who played for the San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche, and Seattle Kraken, has announced his retirement from professional hockey. Donskoi made the announcement through his social media accounts on Sunday, revealing that his decision was influenced by multiple concussions he suffered throughout his career.
In his statement, Donskoi expressed the difficulty of letting go of something he had dedicated his entire life to. However, he emphasized that retiring was the right decision for his own well-being and future. The 31-year-old player acknowledged the impact of the injuries he sustained and the importance of prioritizing his long-term health.
Donskoi was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the fourth round of the 2010 NHL Draft. He made his professional debut during the 2015-16 season and spent his first four years with the Sharks. During his time with the team, Donskoi played 283 games, scoring 45 goals and providing 77 assists.
After his tenure with the Sharks, Donskoi joined the Colorado Avalanche for two seasons before playing his final season with the Seattle Kraken. Unfortunately, he missed the entire last season due to a concussion suffered during a preseason game with the Kraken.
Expressing gratitude to all three organizations he played for, Donskoi thanked the San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche, and Seattle Kraken for the honor of being part of their world-class teams. He also expressed appreciation to his teammates, coaches, trainers, doctors, front offices, and fans for their support throughout his career.
In a heartfelt message to his wife, Devin, Donskoi acknowledged her unwavering support during his challenging times. He expressed his excitement about prioritizing their family moving forward.
Donskoi concludes his career with a total of 80 goals and 128 assists, leaving a lasting impact on the teams he played for.
Donskoi’s Career Highlights
One of the notable highlights of Donskoi’s career was making it to the Stanley Cup Final in his rookie year with the San Jose Sharks. He made a significant impact by scoring an overtime winner in Game 3 of the series against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
After joining the Colorado Avalanche as a free agent, Donskoi experienced career highs in goal-scoring during the following two seasons. In his second year with the Avalanche, he earned regular top power play time and scored 17 goals. That season, the Avalanche went on to win the Presidents’ Trophy.
Donskoi’s journey continued when he was selected by the Seattle Kraken in the expansion draft. However, his goal-scoring productivity declined in his first year with the team, scoring only twice with a 2.2 shot percentage. Unfortunately, a preseason concussion prevented him from playing during the 2022-23 season.
As Donskoi bids farewell to professional hockey, fans and fellow players alike reflect on his contributions to the sport. His retirement serves as a reminder of the physical toll that hockey can take on players and the importance of prioritizing their long-term health and well-being.
Required Reading: Christopher Mast / NHLI via Getty Images