Projo Bruins Blog

Jonathan Girard has returned home to Quebec and it appears the 25-year-old defenseman is considering retirement.

Before he makes a final decision, however, he will be examined by his doctors to assess where he is physically. Girard returned home over the weekend and according to his agent, Bob Sauve, a decision will come very soon.

Girard was involved in a near-fatal car accident on July 24, 2003 near his home and he made a remarkable comeback to rejoin the club for training camp this season.

Under terms of his insurance agreement, Girard could play 20 professional games -- at any level -- before having to decide whether to continue playing. If he continues to play after 20 games, he will forfeit a $3 million settlement.

According to Sauve, Girard is disappointed but he must consider his well-being first and foremost.

"It's tough for a 25-year-old," said Sauve. "It's not like he doesn't know if he can play in the NHL. He is a proven NHL caliber player. . . this is a life decision. What is good for Jonathan as a human being is first."

Girard was assigned to Providence on Sept. 29 and has played only one game for the P-Bruins.

''It was very difficult,'' said Bruins head coach Mike Sullivan about sending Girard to the minors. ''We obviously admire and have the utmost respect for what he has overcome to get to this point. But, for us, it is our responsibility to try to put the best team on the ice for the regular season. That's not to say Jonathan is out of the picture, because he's not. He hasn't played hockey in two years, and to ask him to step right in where he left off would be unfair.''

Girard met with P-Bruins coach Scott Gordon last week before deciding to return home.

Calling it quits "was something that was a consideration from Day One," said Gordon. "Whether it happens, we still don't know. Obviously, it is looking like it is going to happen, but until he makes a decision he is still part of the mix here. We hope it workes out so he can come back."

The vehicle Girard was operating near his hometown of Rawdon, Quebec, overturned, and he was trapped inside it for 45 minutes. He suffered a broken pelvic bone, lost a lot of blood, broke two vertebrae, suffered several lacerations and had fluid in his lungs.

He has been playing with a plate in his back.

More to come...

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