Free agent F Paul Kariya to miss next season with post-concussion syndrome

Kariya to miss season with postconcussion syndrome

WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Free agent forward Paul Kariya will not play next season after being diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome.

The decision was announced Friday through a release from his agent.

Don Baizley said in a statement that the decision was reached after Kariya was examined by concussion specialist Dr. Mark Lovell.

The 35-year-old spent the last three seasons with the St. Louis Blues. He had 18 goals and 25 assists last season.

Kariya missed six games last December and January after sustaining a concussion. He missed the 1998 Winter Olympics because of a concussion.

The two-time Lady Byng Trophy winner has 402 goals and 587 assists in a 15-year career with Anaheim, Colorado, Nashville and St. Louis.