[News] Ferland says his professional playing days are behind him

[sureLoss]

https://theathletic.com/2735166/2021..._query=ferland

On Tuesday afternoon, The Athletic caught up with Micheal Ferland. He was on a family vacation in Mexico. He seems to be doing well, which was great to hear.

“I’m not even anywhere close to coming back,” Ferland said when asked how he’s feeling. “I’m just trying to get back healthy. I am feeling better, I wish I could come back, but I know where I’m at now health-wise.

“It’s a tough decision for me, but no, I don’t think I’ll play professionally ever again. Definitely no contact ever again, I need to take care of myself.”

“I’m better now, these last couple of concussions have definitely taken a much longer time to heal,” Ferland said. “The one where I fought (Kyle) Clifford in L.A. it took almost a year to heal, same with this one. I am starting to feel better, but I know where my health is at and I know it’s not worth it anymore.

“It’s my family, that’s what it comes down to,” Ferland continued. “My wife doesn’t want me playing anymore. So as much as I love to play and want to play, it isn’t worth it for me to get another concussion and be back in a deep hole. I want to start skating, playing rec hockey, no contact, I miss competing. I miss scoring goals.”

One can’t help but be glad that Ferland is prioritizing family and at peace with his decision, but it’s obvious that this is a tough situation for him. Hockey has been his life. He misses the rush of competing, clearly, even if he knows that his professional hockey career is at an end.

[Erick Estrada]

The right decision for sure. Maybe he can get into coaching or scouting if he still wants to be involved in hockey.

[Freddy]

I’m not sure where he’s living these days, but I’d make a roster spot available on my beer league team for him and he could score all the goals he wants. Good luck in the future Ferland!

[Deegee]

Thank you for that memorable playoff series, Ferland. Far better than irrelevant.

[Huntingwhale]

That's sad to hear, but I'm glad he's looking after his health. I'm also glad he got a big payday before he was forced to hang 'em up.

[btimbit]

I'll always have a soft spot for Ferland. Love that guy

[Heavy Jack]

Rest up Ferly I know there will be a spot for you in the league somewhere in player ops. Such a decent guy and I’m happy to hear he’s feeling better.

[CalgaryFan1988]

Too bad, he plays the style of game I love to watch. Wish him all the best in his life outside of playing the game, because at the end of the day home life is all that matters.

[CsInMyBlood]

I have always hated Kevin Bieska with a passion and the way Ferland made him his beeeeatch in that playoff series against the Canucks was on another level. I've never seen a player consistantly own another like that.

Made me proud to cheer for the Flames. Loved that guys game.

Best of luck going forward for Ferland, glad to hear hes taking care of himself.

[Galakanokis]

Is there a Flames fan that didn't love Ferland? Such a great combination of size, speed, skill and tenacity. Imagine him and Lucic on an line?

Feel for the kid but this is the right call.

[DJones]

Glad he got his payday

[Coach]

I was in the building for beating the Canucks in 2015. Thank you Micheal for the awesome memories. Glad you got paid. Glad youre getting better.

I’m sure we’ll see him in some type of player development role eventually.

[EVERLAST]

I just hope he's okay long term. We've seen so many players careers shortened by concussions not just in hockey but football and other sports.
God bless ya Ferly

[Calgary4LIfe]

Hope Ferland fully recovers and goes on to really enjoy the rest of his life with his family.



It is almost absurd to me that he became one of my favourite Flames of all time somehow, as I watched this team since 1981 as a kid. Always loved this kid. Really hope things improve for him.

[868904]

My favourite player post Iggy.

Take care Ferly, hope you end up back with the Flames in some capacity, that’s where you belong, burn your Carolina and Canucks jerseys.

[Shazam]

This makes me very sad.

He was a force on the ice.

[PepsiFree]

Put his number in the rafters. But instead of the red background, make it a picture of him crushing Bieksa.

[Badgers Nose]

Sorry to hear his injuries caught up to him, he has so much to be proud of.

Also a little relieved Flames will never have to face him in the playoffs. When he was ‘on’ he could really cause a fracas.

[Francis's Hairpiece]

That playoff run in 2015 cemented him as one of my favorites. Hell of a fifth round pick.

Glad he's at peace with this. Will always cheer for this guy.

[Robo]

Good for him to finally realize his playing days are done it was getting pretty scary