The Columbus Blue Jackets have hired Blake Geoffrion as a professional scout, the team announced on Tuesday afternoon.
The hiring comes one day removed from Geoffrion's retirement from professional hockey. The 25-year-old forward sustained a depressed skull fracture while playing with the Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League in November of 2012. Geoffrion's head made contact with the ice after a punishing hit from Syracuse Crunch defenseman Jean-Phillipe Cote. The result was a devastating injury that subsequently ended the young player's career.
Fortunately, his playing career is all that ended. He will still be afforded an opportunity to continue a career in professional hockey.
Originally selected with the No. 56 overall pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by the Nashville Predators, Geoffrion was acquired by the Montreal Canadiens in February of 2012. In 55 career NHL games, he registered 13 points (eight goals, five assists).
Prior to the start of his professional career, Geoffrion spent four seasons at the University of Wisconsin and won the Hobey Baker Memorial Award as the top collegiate player during the 2009-10 season.
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