Report: 10 year NHL veteran may be forced to retire.

Every professional athlete should be allowed to end his career on his own terms, unfortunately as we know some never get that opportunity. It's looking more and more like that may be the case for 10 year NHL veteran Johan "The Mule" Franzen. Franzen has suffered multiple concussions throughout his NHL career, but according to him this most recent concussion has been different from the others, and it has had a profound impact on him.

“This time was a little bit scarier,” said Franzen. “For two months you’re not able to pick up your kids or play with your kids for more than two minutes. It makes you think a little bit, but you know I’m slowly getting better, so that puts my mind to rest. “I feel a lot better. I was in a really dark place maybe not the first month because you think it’s going to get better. But then when it doesn’t get better, you start wondering.”

Franzen suffered the latest concussion when he was the victim of a blndside hit from Edmonton Oiler Rob Klinkhammer, and while many have suggested for some time that Franzen should strongly consider retirement, the Red Wings forward admitted for the first time that he's uncertain about his NHL future.

“I have no clue, but I’m just happy I’m feeling better," said Franzen of a possible return to hockey. "Hopefully, it’s going to progress a little bit every week and I will be fine.”

Franzen has suffered an estimated 10 concussions throughout his NHL career, and he could be risking long term injury if he steps out onto the ice again.