Joffrey Lupul hints at being effectively retired

Joffrey Lupul is still under contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but it doesn't appear he'll be suiting up anytime soon.

The 34-year-old hasn't played since February 2016 after having sports hernia surgery, and recently hinted at being effectively retired during an appearance on the "Member Guest" podcast.

"When I think about things like that, it’s easier to let go of the fact that your body is not in good shape and it’s probably not meant to play hockey anymore. But it’s very easy to just focus on the great moments … the playoff games or big goals and stuff like that. That’s one thing I find myself dealing with now that I’m not playing, and probably won’t be playing going forward," Lupul said, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.

Lupul failed a second physical in October and the NHL ruled him eligible to be placed on long-term injured reserve. The veteran forward initially blamed the Maple Leafs for his first failed physical in September, but later apologized and said he hoped to eventually return.

Now, it seems unlikely Lupul will ever play again, which he's seemingly at peace with.

"When you’ve dedicated your life to something - a professional sport or music - there’s a lot of things that you’ve had to sacrifice along the way, as far as not being able to do," he said. "I (couldn’t) go on a vacation with friends. It was like you finish a season, you take two weeks off and then I’m back in the gym doing everything, which was great. I loved it. I miss it.

"I miss some of that stuff, but there’s also some interesting things that you can do outside of there. That part of it's really exciting."