NHL Defensemen Truthfully Opens Up As to Why He Left The NHL

This issue had existed prior to his NHL career and coaches and general managers had frequently urged him to gain weight to fight for the puck in the corners.

Koekkoek's decision to share his concerns publicly demonstrates courage and a commitment to protecting his physical and mental well-being. At the time of his last NHL signing, Koekkoek weighed 193 pounds and stood at 6'2". Over the course of his career, he played in 186 games, scored eight goals and 26 assists for 34 points, and amassed 104 penalty minutes. Koekkoek was drafted in the first round, number 10, by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2012 NHL Draft.