Calling it quits hard for DiMaio

Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburg Times reports that unrestricted free agent forward Rob DiMaio is finding it difficult to put an end to his NHL career.

While the former Tampa Bay Lightning forward is still suffering from the effects of a concussion he suffered during a pre-season game last September, DiMaio can’t quiet walk away from the game he has played for almost two decades.

Despite his injury and age, the 39-year-old DiMaio believes that he’s still got something to offer.

“I don’t feel I’m over the hill by any means,” he said. “I’ve always had the thought that maybe there’s a chance there’s going to be something that just pops into place. It just hasn’t come yet.”

The veteran forward may not have a choice, however. Due to “a worsening of his long- and short-term memory,” doctors have told him recently that they “will not clear him to play.”

“That kind of puts an end to it,” DiMaio said from his Toronto home. “But it’s something I’ve done for 18 years, and for somebody to tell you you can’t do it anymore, it’s tough to take.”

Should he decide to file his retirement papers, DiMaio says he has options. Two teams have already inquired as to whether DiMaio would like to work as a “scout or in player development.” The Lightning were not one of the teams.

“It’s an interesting scenario I’ll have to think about,” he said.

“It’s not an official retirement.”