Brandon Sutter's attempt to make an NHL comeback fell by the wayside after the Edmonton Oilers released the 34-year-old from his professional tryout offer on Sunday, October 1.
The #Oilers have released Brandon Sutter from his professional tryout (PTO) & the veteran forward has announced his retirement from hockey. https://t.co/egpfZtfOOW
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 1, 2023
After being out for more than two years due to COVID-related issues, the 11th overall pick of the 2007 NHL Draft ended up retiring after being released by the Oilers. Sutter issued an official statement after his release via NHL.com.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity that Ken, Jay and the Oilers organization have provided to me the past few weeks. You need to be 100 percent healthy to compete in the NHL, and although my health continues to improve, in consideration of my health and family, I am officially retiring from hockey," Sutter stated.
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Aside from the Oilers, the veteran forward also thanked other NHL teams he had suited up for.
"Thank you to the Oilers, Canucks, Penguins and Hurricanes, as well as all my past coaches, trainers and teammates for the incredible experiences throughout my 13 seasons in the NHL," Sutter added.
An abrupt end to Sutter's NHL career
It was an unfortunate end to the time of Sutter with the Oilers, a team where he played three preseason games before the official announcement, The Athletic reported.
He retires after 13 seasons with 152 goals, 137 assists, and 289 points in 770 regular season games; and nine goals, nine assists, and 18 points in 50 playoff games.
With Sutter out, the Oilers are expected to turn to either Lane Pederson or Raphael Lavoie for the last forward slot.
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