ESPN’s John Buccigross brings the news today that former Nashville Predators forward Blake Geoffrion will retire from professional hockey, just a few months after suffering a serious head injury (a depressed skull fracture) following this hit in an AHL game during the NHL Lockout:
Geoffrion, of course, holds a special place in Nashville Predators history, being the first homegrown player drafted & developed by the Preds. He not only boasts what is probably the greatest pedigree a professional athlete has ever had, but he had the work ethic to equal his talents, leading him to the 2010 Hobey Baker Award as college hockey’s top player, as he took the University of Wisconsin to the national championship game.
Over the course of two seasons with the Predators, Geoffrion played 42 games with six goals and five assists, before being traded to Montreal in exchange for Hal Gill at the 2012 Trade Deadline.
Enjoy your post-playing days, Boomer. And remember, we’ll always have Buffalo:
UPDATE: Apparently the news may be a little bit premature, as confusing reports are coming from various circles. Take John Glennon’s recent tweets, for example:
According to #Preds, Brentwood’s Blake Geoffrion has announced his retirement from hockey. He suffered a skull fracture last year.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) March 13, 2013
Just spoke to Danny Geoffrion, Blake’s dad. He says Blake hasn’t retired yet, but simply given notice to Canadiens that he’s considering it.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) March 13, 2013
Danny Geoffrion said Blake’s decision will come in next few weeks. He hasn’t skated much since suffering skull fracture last year.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) March 13, 2013