NHL Insider Opens Up On the details of Brandon Sutter's sudden retirement

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Tom Banks
October 3, 2023 (1:57 PM)

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The Edmonton Oilers made some big moves this summer, and some moves not so big that could impact the team down the stretch, but unfortunately, one of those moves officially won't pay off, as veteran Brandon Sutter was recently released from his PTO.

A solid career

This marks the end of a 13-year career in the NHL for Sutter, who tallied a respectable 152 goals and 289 points over 770 games played in Carolina, Pittsburgh and Vancouver.

While many saw the press release from the Oilers announcing the release, it's now come to light that it was Sutter's decision, and the details behind that decision are absolutely heartbreaking.

Health issues

After dealing with COVID-19 through the pandemic, it became clear that there were long-term effects holding Sutter back, and after trying to fight it for several years, it's now been revealed that those physical effects are going to force him to retire from the NHL.

Oilers Insider Mark Spector opened up on the tough call that Sutter had to make, and unfortunately, after fighting to get back on the ice, it just wasn't on the cards, so Congratulations to Sutter on a great career in the NHL over the past 13 seasons.

Brandon Sutter called a meeting Sunday in Seattle with Oilers GM Ken Holland, head coach Jay Woodcroft and trainer TD Forss, to tell them he could not go on with his PTO.
Holland: "He had some health concerns and he just felt that he was going to end his career."
Long Covid...

As Read on Blade of Steel - NHL Insider reveals heartbreaking details of why Brandon Sutter was forced to end his professional tryout