Report: Former 1st round pick contemplating retirement at just 32 years old

According to a report from Czech-language website idnes.cz, longtime NHL power forward Martin Hanzal may be forced to retire this offseason due to a nagging back injury.

The 32 year old Hanzal was limited to just seven games for the Dallas Stars last season and has endured three surgeries to repair the issue, with no luck. Hanzal won’t officially retire this summer however, as he and the Stars have an agreement. He’ll come to camp and give it his best shot, beyond that though… there are no certainties.

“In Dallas, we had a preliminary agreement. I have to come to the camp in September, I will try to train a little over the summer, then I will go on the ice and see. And when it comes back, I may end my career, “ says Hanzal.

“I’ve had three back surgeries, even some age, and I know my career is slowly coming to an end. It’s my toughest decision, it’s about health, ” said the big winger.

If this is indeed the end for Hanzal, he’ll finish his NHL career with 127 goals and 338 points in 673 career games.