Predators’ Spencer Stastney: I Almost Quit Hockey Forever | Mental Health Battle Revealed
Predator Spencer Stasny. I almost quit hockey forever. Mental health battle revealed. Imagine reaching the brink of abandoning your dreams after a grueling battle with your inner demons. This was the reality for Spencer Stasny, a promising young defenseman with the Nashville Predators, who recently opened up about his near decision to retire from professional hockey due to severe anxiety and depression. In a heartfelt discussion on the 32 thoughts podcast with Elliot Freriedman and Kyle Bukowskis, Stasny shared the personal struggles that almost ended his career prematurely last year. Citing personal reasons, he did not attend the training camp and only rejoined the team in late November. But here’s where it gets controversial. Those personal reasons were actually a profound mental health crisis. Stasney confessed, “Spencer Stasney’s journey from mental health struggles to NHL comeback with the Predators. Imagine facing the sport you love, but feeling an overwhelming urge to walk away. This is the reality that Nashville Predators defenseman Spencer Statsy grappled with, leading him to the brink of retirement at just 24 years old. Stats, a standout player known for his defensive prowess, opened up about his mental health struggles and the internal battle he faced during the 2024 25 season. But here’s where it gets controversial. While many athletes face mental health challenges, few discuss the intense pressures that can lead to considering retirement at such a young age. Stats journey is a stark reminder of the unseen battles that athletes often fight. Spencer Stats, a key player for the Nashville Predators, recently shared his experiences on the 32 thoughts podcast with Sportsnet’s Elliot Freriedman and Kyle Bicowskis. He discussed the mental health challenges that nearly pushed him to retire before the 20242 season. Stats revealed that his struggles peaked after the 2024 Calder Cup playoffs, a time when he was also experiencing some of the brightest moments of his young career. He even went as far as searching for other job opportunities and preparing the necessary paperwork to officially retire. But this is the part most people miss. Stats journey highlights the importance of mental health support in professional sports, a topic that is often overlooked. Stats professional hockey journey began in 2022 following a successful 4-year stint at the University of Notre Dame. His rookie season in the AHL was marked by his exceptional shutdown defense despite scoring just 19 points in 72 games. This impressive performance earned him his first eight NHL games where he contributed two assists. His strong start in the AHL set the stage for a promising 2023 24 season. He netted 20 points. However, beneath the surface, Statsy was grappling with growing anxiety towards the sport. He took part of the 2023 24 season off to attend the NHLPA’s player assistance program, returning just in time for the postseason. He appeared in both the Stanley Cup and Calder Cup playoffs. But by the end of the season, he was relieved that it was over. The juxtaposition of his relief and his teammates anguish over an early exit pushed Statsy to consider retiring. He felt that his feelings were unfair to his teammates and believed that stepping away from the sport to pursue other work would provide the reset he needed. He moved forward with these feelings even as his agency filed for contract arbitration and successfully earned a 2-year contract extension. But a new deal wasn’t going to be what brought Stats back to the sport. Instead, extensive consultations with the Nashville Predators team therapist helped him realize and address the roots of his feelings. Stats skipped Nashville’s training camp for the 2024 to25 season and didn’t return to the ice until early December. He quickly returned to a top pair role in Milwaukee and earned an NHL callup after just 10 games in the minor leagues. He effectively split the 2024 to 25 season between the major and minor rosters, netting three points in 23 NHL games and 17 points in 26 AHL games. Stats performances and renewed sense of determination have brought him to where he is now. He emphasized that he’s still figuring out his relationship with the sport, but intends to continue as a member of the Predators organization. Known for his shutdown defense, great reach, and imposing physical presence, Stats has shown that he can handle a depth NHL role. A full season of determination could be all it takes to earn a full-time spot on the NHL roster. While Stasny navigates his path forward, the Predators can be assured that their focus on player mental health continues to serve their organization well. The 32 thoughts podcast highlighted the stories of former Predators Brian Mcraten and Jordan Tutu, who both worked with Nashville’s therapy team and the NHLPA player assistance program. Their successful decadel long careers are a testament to the resilience and support that can help athletes overcome challenges. As you reflect on Stasney’s journey, consider this. How do you think professional sports organizations can better support the mental health of their athletes? Do you believe that more open discussions about mental health in sports can lead to better outcomes for players? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s spark a conversation about the unseen battles that athletes face and how we can support them better.
00:00 – Predators’ Spencer Stastney: I Almost Quit Hockey Forever | Mental Health Battle Revealed
01:04 – Spencer Stastney’s Journey: From Mental Health Struggles to NHL Comeback with the Predators
1. Predators’ Spencer Stastney: I Almost Quit Hockey Forever | Mental Health Battle Revealed
Nashville Predators defenseman Spencer Stastney opens up about his near-retirement in 2023-24 due to severe anxiety and depression. In this emotional interview clip from 32 Thoughts, the 25-year-old reveals:
• Why he missed training camp for “personal reasons”
• How daily panic attacks nearly ended his NHL career
• The moment he had retirement papers ready to sign
• How NHL Player Assistance Program saved his career
• His inspiring comeback with Milwaukee Admirals & Predators
This raw conversation sheds light on mental health struggles in professional sports and Stastney’s journey from nearly quitting to becoming a key Predators defenseman. A must-watch for hockey fans and anyone facing mental health challenges.
#MentalHealthAwareness #NHL #Predators #SpencerStastney #elephantattack
2. Spencer Stastney’s Journey: From Mental Health Struggles to NHL Comeback with the Predators
Nashville Predators defenseman Spencer Stastney reveals his mental health struggles and how they nearly led him to retire from the NHL at just 24. In this video, we’ll explore Stastney’s honest interview on the 32 Thoughts Podcast, where he opens up about intense anxiety and depression, his time with the NHLPA Player Assistance Program, and what ultimately brought him back to hockey for the 2024-25 season. Discover how the Predators organization supports player mental health, and how Stastney’s story inspires others in professional sports.
Key topics covered:
– Why Stastney considered retirement despite his on-ice success
– The impact of depression and anxiety on athletes
– Importance of mental health resources for NHL players
– How team support and therapy shaped Stastney’s comeback
– Inspirational stories of other Predators facing similar challenges
Perfect for hockey fans, mental health advocates, and anyone inspired by stories of resilience.