David Clarkson will probably never play hockey again, but that doesn’t mean he’s skating away from the sport ever.
The former Toronto Maple Leafs winger is slated to become a high school coach in suburban Columbus, according to Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch. Clarkson had been a volunteer assistant coach at the same Upper Arlington High School this season.
Told #CBJ RW David Clarkson, whose career is likely over due to chronic back injury, will be varsity head coach at Upper Arlington HS.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) March 29, 2017
Clarkson has been working as a volunteer assistant this season as he waited on back to heal. UA school board must approve his hiring.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) March 29, 2017
Clarkson hasn’t played in the NHL since March 11, 2016 when he was a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets. The 32-year-old sustained a chronic back injury, which will likely end his career.
Clarkson was acquired by the Blue Jackets from the Leafs for another injured winger, Nathan Horton, on Feb. 26, 2015.
The move allowed the Blue Jackets to rid themselves of Horton’s long-term, uninsured contract.
The Leafs, meanwhile, were trying to move Clarkson, who had produced 15 goals and 26 points in 118 games. He had signed a seven-year, $36.75-million contract with Toronto in July 2013.
Clarkson has 114 goals and 200 points in 570 games. His best season came in 2011-12 when he recorded 30 goals and 46 points in 80 games for the New Jersey Devils.
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