Penguins' Dupuis ends hockey career due to medical condition

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Pascal Dupuis will no longer play hockey, choosing to call it a career because of a medical condition related to blood clots, the team announced.

Dupuis played just 16 games last season after being diagnosed with a blood clot in his lung.

He returned this season and suited up in 18 games, but continued to deal with medical conditions surrounding the clot, playing while on blood thinners. He's missed time and has been pulled out of games to undergo tests, most recently on Dec 1. against the San Jose Sharks.

"Despite playing on a medical protocol that has worked for other players in the NHL, we feel that the risk of Pascal playing with his condition and the side effects of the tests to monitor him are just not in the best interest of his long-term health," the Penguins' team physician, Dr. Dharmesh Vyas, said in a release.

The decision ultimately came down to Dupuis' well-being and his family.

"It was very difficult for me to make this decision to have to step away from the game," the 36-year-old said. "My wife and four children have always been my first priority, and playing with my condition has become a constant worry for all of us. I want to thank my teammates and the Penguins organization for their unwavering support during this difficult time."

Dupuis has been placed on the injured reserve, with the club planning to place him on the long-term injured reserve.

Despite these developments, he plans to stick with the Penguins and do what he can to support them.

Dupuis finished his career with 190 goals and 409 points in 871 games, and helped Pittsburgh capture a Stanley Cup in 2009.