This one caught us completely by surprise.
As most National Hockey League fans will know, the Florida Panthers have been without their captain, Willie Mitchell, for several weeks now. Mitchell was knocked out of the line up this past January with yet another concussion and has been trying to make his return to the line up ever since, however there has been a shocking development i nthat story.
According to a report from George Richards in the Miami Herald, Willie Mitchell's NHL career may be over. According to Panthers general manager Dave Tallon the Panther's medical staff is concerned about Mitchell's future health, and are particularly concerned what could happen if he were to suffer another injury.
“Willie has to decide whether he can play or not,” said Tallon as per the Miami Herald.
"We want to make sure he doesn’t get hurt, we want to make sure there is no permanent damage. But this is up to Willie. We want to do what is best for him. That’s the bottom line. The doctors have said they’re concerned with his long-term health.”
According to the Herald Mitchell will make a decision in the coming days, but this could very well be the end for the Panthers' Captain, and frankly if it means he will have a better quality of life in the long term no one will blame him for stepping away.
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