San Jose Sharks captain Logan Couture has yet to play a game this season. For a competitor like him, the grueling fitness only worsened his mental state and made the last few months difficult.
A lower-body injury sustained in training this summer forced the 34-year-old veteran to take a break. While he saw his teammates being mistreated on the ice early in the season, Couture suffered greatly.
• Also read: A monumental loss for the Jets
• Also read: A mysterious absence from the Rangers
• Also read: Will Alexander Ovechkin miss his date with history?
“When you're injured, your mind does some pretty crazy things. There were some crazy thoughts, he admitted to the San Jose Mercury News on Tuesday, admitting he thought his career might be over. It’s your life and it’s what you love to do, but your body won’t allow it.”
“That’s the hardest part, the unknown. One morning I wake up and feel great, but when I wake up the next day I feel bad. I didn't know if there was a light at the end of the tunnel. I didn't have a set duration [pour mon absence]“It was week after week, day after day,” Couture continued.
The Ontario native isn't quite out of the woods yet, as the Sharks' doctors have not yet put a plan in place for a return to play.
Smarter
Hoping to be back with his teammates and friends soon, Couture began skating again with practice. He also did this before the start of the regular campaign in September, but this decision bore no fruit.
“At first I tried everything to be part of the training. “Ultimately, taking time off for recovery and rehabilitation would allow me to regain my health,” he wisely agreed.
Couture feels better mentally now, which is the first step toward a healthy return.
“Finally, I give a pat on the back for everything to continue to go well and for me to get over this low point,” he said.
The Sharks, who are in the basement of the Western Conference, could definitely use their captain. Last year he was his team's best forward with 67 points in 82 games.