Guillaume Latendresse was picked 45th overall by the Montreal Canadiens at the 2005 NHL draft. Although he did have a certain offensive flair, he could never replicate his dominant performances from the QMJHL in the NHL. Of course, as a French Canadian drafted in Montreal, he had to deal with more than his fair share of pressure, especially since the media tried the make a saviour out of him.
In 232 games with the Habs, he gathered 85 points across four seasons before being traded to the Minnesota Wild in the early days of the 2009-10 season. He played with his new team for parts of three seasons, skating in 82 contests and putting up 52 points. He then signed with the Ottawa Senators as a free agent and only stayed for one season before heading to Switzerland and calling time on his career at only 26-year-old.
Unfortunately for the right winger, he was plagued by concussions throughout his career which cut short many of his NHL seasons and ultimately led to his early retirement from the game.
Alongside former teammate Maxim Lapierre, Latendresse created one of the most popular French podcasts in the province La Poche Bleue. The show became an immediate success thanks to its charismatic hosts and a much more relaxed setting than any other sports broadcast. Eventually, both former players were hired as analysts by TVA Sports.
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Today, Latendresse announced that he has to take a break from his commitments as he is going through a tough time mentally. He adds that it probably stems from the numerous concussion he suffered over the course of his career and that it is not a new condition. He has finally decided to get the help he needs and simply stated that he was taking a break without putting any timeframe on it.
Considering how many former players who sustained concussion are suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, it’s a good thing that Latenderesse is taking the time he needs to deal with the issue. Hopefully, he can come back stronger than ever and we wish him all the best.
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