Pittsburgh Penguins forward Pascal Dupuis fought his way back from blood clots on multiple occasions to attempt to continue his NHL career. However, with team doctors monitoring him and placing him on a strict medical protocol, it has been determined that Dupuis can no longer continue playing.
The 36-year-old forward had appeared in 18 games this season after missing most of last season when a blood clot was discovered in his lung in November 2014.
He worked his way back and had been playing while taking blood thinners, but experienced multiple medical incidents this season according to the team. That forced him out of the lineup and required him to undergo a series of tests each time. It has since been determined that he should no longer play.
“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 Dr. Dharmesh Vyas, the Penguins’ team physician.
“It was very difficult for me to make this decision to have to step away from the game,” Dupuis said. “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.”
“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.”
Dupuis will not formally retire yet as he remains under contract through 2016-17. The team will place him on long-term injured reserve to get salary cap relief, but will continue paying him for the duration of his contract.
The veteran forward was first diagnosed with blood clots in January 2014 after suffering a severe knee injury. He managed to recover through the use of blood thinners and he returned to action during the 2014-15 season. He was once again forced to stop playing in November after the second blood clot was discovered.
Dupuis wrote eloquently in for the Players’ Tribune over the offseason, vowing to return from the blood clot in hopes to be able to compete for the Stanley Cup while his children were old enough to enjoy the experience with him.
He had four points in the 18 games he played for Pittsburgh this season.
The Laval, Quebec native is a veteran of 871 NHL games. He played with the Minnesota Wild, New York Rangers and Atlanta Thrashers before spending the last nine seasons in Pittsburgh. He was a frequent linemate of Sidney Crosby’s and put up 247 points in 452 games with the club.
Dupuis helped the Penguins win the Stanley Cup back in 2009 and finished his NHL career with 409 points.
It is terribly sad to see a player have to hang them up before they’re ready, but it’s especially unfortunate because of how hard Dupuis worked to get healthy enough to play. In the end, this is the appropriate decision for Dupuis and his family.
The Dupuis family was featured in a touching vignette during HBO's 24/7 ahead of the 2011 Winter Classic.
Dupuis is to be admired for his determination in trying to make a comeback, but also to know when it's time to step away and think of what matters most.
