For 15 NHL seasons, Paul Kariya's dynamic presence made him a leader on the ice. Now his absence may make him a vanguard off it.

Kariya has opted out of the upcoming season, pulling himself out of the game to recover from post-concussion syndrome — a smart but unexpected decision in a sporting culture that still values an athlete's ability to play through injuries.

Kariya's resolve to put his long-term health ahead of a potential short-term contract serves as a reminder to players, whether at the NHL level or in youth hockey, that a brain injury is a serious matter, one that requires the proper time to heal.