Report: Andy McDonald is retiring

ST. LOUIS -- Andy McDonald is poised to become a free agent, but he won't be testing the waters. After spending the last five-plus seasons with the Blues, the 35-year-old forward has decided to retire, according to TrueHockey.com.

McDonald said he was retiring because of concerns about concussions. He has had at least five concussions, including two with the Blues. He missed 51 games in the 2011-12 season due to a concussion.

"The last few years, too much of the focus became worrying about the next hit," he told TrueHockey.com. "I was always thinking about it."

McDonald told TrueHockey.com that he started thinking about retirement during the regular season but did not make a firm decision until after the Los Angeles Kings had eliminated the Blues in the first round of the playoffs.

"I'm fortunate to get out now," he said. "I know I could play two or three more
years and I love the game of hockey, but health-wise I know I shouldn't
be playing."

McDonald played in 685 NHL games in a 12-year NHL career that began with Anaheim in the 2000-01 season. He won a Stanley Cup with the Ducks in 2006-07. The Blues acquired him from Anaheim on Dec. 14, 2007, in exchange for Doug Weight, Michal Birner and a draft pick.

He retires with 489 NHL points (182 goals, 307 assists), including 230 points (90 goals, 140 assists) with St. Louis.