Former top-10 pick contemplating early retirement due to concussions

Voracek was originally drafted by the Blue Jackets in the first round (seventh overall) of the 2007 NHL entry draft. In 2011, he was traded to Philadelphia in a deal that sent Jeff Carter to the Blue Jackets. Voracek spent the following ten seasons with the Flyers. In 2021, he was traded back to the Blue Jackets in exchange for forward Cam Atkinson.

The 33-year-old Czechia native has played in 1058 career NHL regular season games. His career high in points came during the 2017-18 season, when he recorded 85. Voracek is a pass-first kind of player, as despite his high point totals throughout his career, his career high in goals is only 23.

Of course, this story will hit home for many Leaf fans, as it is very similar to what is going on with Jake Muzzin, who has suffered a number of concussions in recent years and is currently out with a cervical spine injury and may not play again. At this point, like Voracek, many are worried that if he continues to play hockey, he may continue to have serious issues later in life.