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BREAKING: Beloved Canadiens Star Announces Retirement


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TJ Tucker
September 20, 2023  (11:02)
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A beloved member of the Montreal Canadiens has announced he is officially hanging up his skates. Paul Byron has written a letter explaining his decision.

"After many months of processing what is best for my health and the future of my family, I have decided to retire as a professional hockey player. Through many extended attempts of rehabilitation, therapy, visiting and speaking to different doctors, and trying everything to make it back to the game I love, the decision had become clear. For my whole life I was able to overcome odds and prove people wrong. For a long time, I held up hope that I could do it one more time, which in turn has made this decision so difficult. But the reality is, I can no longer train, skate, or push myself to the level required to be a professional hockey player due to injuries suffered during my last game and seasons prior."

The Injury

Byron underwent surgery on his left hip during the offseason in 2021, but never fully recovered. He attempted to return to playing full-time a couple of times, but continued to be hampered by the hip injury.

His Career

Byron was initially drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the sixth round in 2007. As an undersized player, Byron wasn't necessarily expected to have a notable NHL career. However, after being picked up on waivers by the Canadiens from the Calgary Flames in 2015, Byron became an impact player and a favourite among Habs fans.

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