Winnipeg Jets D Grant Clitsome Forced Into Retirement
By Ryan Ritchie
Winnipeg Jets D Grant Clitsome Forced into Early Retirement at 31-Years-Old Due to a Back Injury; Nelson Nogier Signs Entry-Level Contract with Only Hours to Spare
Winnipeg Jets D Grant Clitsome has regrettably announced his retirement from the National Hockey League on Wednesday.
A seven-year veteran of the NHL, Grant has been dealing with back issues which eventually required surgery back in January. Due to those back problems, Winnipeg Jets D Grant Clitsome has been forced to retire from professional hockey.
He released a statement via Winnipeg Jets official website,
“It is with great regret, that today I announce my retirement from hockey due to a back injury,” said Clitsome. “It’s tough when something unexpected, and out of your control, suddenly ends your career. Despite the circumstances, I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to fulfill my childhood dream and play in the NHL. I am also very grateful for all the great people that I have met, and all the friendships that I have made playing hockey. I would like to thank my family and friends for all of their love and support over the years. I would like to thank the Columbus Blue Jackets organization for drafting me and giving me an opportunity to start my professional career. I would also like to thank the Winnipeg Jets organization for me treating me so well from day one. It truly was a special place to play and I’m proud to retire as a Jet.”
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Originally taken by Columbus 271st overall (9th round) back in 2004, Grant Clitsome spent the next four years (until 2008) at Cornell University.
He split his first few seasons between Columbus/AHL (Syracuse and Springfield) before finally earning a full-time NHL roster spot in 2011-12.
After spending the majority of the season with Columbus, he was claimed off waivers in February 2012 by Winnipeg.
Over the course of seven seasons, Winnipeg Jets D Grant Clitsome appeared in 205 career regular season games, posting 71 points. He unfortunately never managed to play a single game in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
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Jets Sign Nelson Nogier
On a side note, the Winnipeg Jets announced Wednesday afternoon that 2014 draft pick Nelson Nogier has signed his entry-level contract. The signing comes just hours ahead of the June 1st deadline to sign prospects before they re-enter the 2016 draft.
The deal is worth an AAV of $771,700 dollars.
Next: Winnipeg Jets End of Year Review, Grades
Nogier, 20, played for Memorial Cup host Red Deer (WHL) in 2015-16. He had 21 points in 69 regular season games, and four points over 17 games in the postseason.
At 6’3 209lbs, this two-way defender could develop into a mid-round steal a little ways down the road.