The Vancouver Canucks announced on Thursday that forward Derek Dorsett will not return to their active roster due to health risks associated with playing, on the advice of team doctors.
"I'm devastated by the news. It will take a long time for this to truly sink in," said Dorsett, who is signed through 2019 with Vancouver.
Dorsett, 30, underwent cervical fusion surgery in Dec. 2016, with general manager Jim Benning saying then that he was optimistic for a full recovery. The surgery, similar to what NFL quarterback Peyton Manning had before missing the 2011 season, was necessary after a neck injury left Dorsett with numbness in his arms.