Keith Ballard and Jordan Leopold may have reached the end of the road in the NHL. Ballard, 32, is still experiencing concussion symptoms from a brutal hit he took back in December of 2014 and he’s worried about long-term effects. Meanwhile, Leopold hasn’t been offered a new contract and at the age of 35 he might be willing to hang up his skates in order to focus on his family.
According to the Star Tribune, both men aren’t willing to officially come out and retire quite yet, but the option is definitely on the table. Ballard’s concerns are all about his health.
Here’s the hit Ballard took last year:
Ballard told the Star Tribune that he’s worried about what the next big hit will do.
“I’m just trying to get healthy. If I make a full recovery from this one, I’ll chalk it up to good luck. But I admit, if I’m hit like this again, I’m a little freaked out about what would happen the next time.”
Considering how frightening the hit on Ballard was, no one would blame him if he called it a career.
Leopold’s situation is a bit different. He skated with three different teams in 2014-15 (St. Louis Blues, Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild) and he’s one of many veterans left looking for work in a quiet market. The Star Tribune mentions that Leopold’s agent hasn’t been actively trying to find him work, but he’s aware an opportunity might develop once training camp opens. Still, Leopold sounds like he wouldn’t mind retiring as he’s preparing to open an events and wedding center with his wife.
