Oilers Officially Release Veteran From PTO
The Oilers announced yesterday that Brandon Sutter was released from his Professional Tryout.
At the same time, we learned that Sutter is retiring from professional hockey.
ADS
Sutter signed a PTO this summer, but hadn't taken part in a game since the 2020-21 season.
He contracted COVID while playing in Vancouver and was never the same afterward, still struggling with symptoms.
His chances of making it in the Oilers' lineup were slim, and when the announcement of his retirement came, many thought that the Oilers chose to let him go.
An insider recently revealed that it wasn't the case; Sutter was forced to retire.
Sutter Pushed to Retirement
Mark Spector reported that it was Sutter who made the call to cancel his NHL return:
"Brandon Sutter called a meeting Sunday in Seattle with Oilers GM Ken Holland, head coach Jay Woodcroft, and trainer TD Forss, to tell them he could not go on with his PTO.
Holland: "He had some health concerns and he just felt that he was going to end his career."
Long Covid..."
Sutter, who spent the last two weeks at the Oilers' training camp, looked like he was going to make it in the opening game lineup, but the lasting impact of COVID forced him to retire.
We wish him the best in his retirement, but we also wish it had been under different circumstances.
As seen on Blade of Steel -
NHL Insider reveals heartbreaking details of why Sutter was forced to end his professional tryoutADS
RELATED ARTICLES
ADS
