Canucks forward Derek Dorsett forced to retire

Derek Dorsett got off to the best start of his career this season, but now the enforcer is being forced to hang up his skates.

After missing most of the 2016-2017 season due after receiving cervical disc herniation surgery, Dorsett was cleared to play in time for the Vancouver Canucks first game this year.

He got off to an incredible start, posting six goals and a pair of assists in his first 10 games, an usual stat line for the enforcer.

His play cooled off, but the 30-year-old remained an important part of the Canucks roster until mid-November.

Before the team’s November 21st game in Philadelphia, Dorsett flew home after the stiffness returned to his neck and back.

On Thursday, it was announced that doctors have advised Dorsett not to return to professional hockey, effectively ending his decade long career in the NHL.

“What I can say for certain right now is that I left it all out on the ice. I gave my heart and soul to the teams I played for and never backed down from a challenge, including this one." - Dorsett (@Twigy15) pic.twitter.com/10OmlCFotb

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) November 30, 2017

"The latest evaluation of Derek's neck revealed that he's sustained a cervical disc herniation adjacent and separate to his previous fusion," said Dr. Robert Watkins. "Given his current condition and the long-term, significant health risks, I advised Derek not to return to play."

Dorsett addressed the situation on Thursday as well, saying that there was no grey area with this and the diagnosis gives him clarity to move forward with his life.

“I'm devastated by the news. It will take a long time for this to truly sink in,” he said. “As hard as it was to hear, Dr. Watkins' diagnosis is definitive.”

Messages from all over the hockey world started to pour in following the unfortunate news, including from one of the Canucks brightest young stars, Bo Horvat.

Thank you, Derek Dorsett (@Twigy15). From all of us at Canucks Autism Network, we are so grateful for your support over the years and are confident in your ability to overcome this challenge. Wishing you lots of success in your next chapter off the ice. pic.twitter.com/iTAcg9gbXa

— Canucks Autism (@canucksautism) November 30, 2017

“When I was a rookie Dorse told me to sit with him on the plane,” Horvat explained. He taught me a lot: grit, work ethic and leadership. He’s got a young family and he’s doing what’s best. There’s more to life than hockey.”

In 515 career NHL games with the Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers and Vancouver, Dorsett posted 51 goals, 127 points and 1,314 penalty minutes.

He was originally drafted by Columbus with the 189th overall pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft after playing his junior hockey with the Medicine Hat Tigers.