"I have been advised by the doctors that it may be in my best interests to forego playing this year and continue my rehab in hopes of returning in September."

When Keith Primeau said this in early February, he secretly hoped the day would never come when he would be forced to make this decision. He seeked second opinions, and third, and fourth; anything to convince himself that there was even the smallest chance that a return was possible.

Almost one month later, Primeau will be forced to announce that his season is officially over. The 34-year old captain has been out since late October, when Canadians rookie Alexander Perezhogin's elbow caught Primeau in the jaw, dropping him to the ice. After playing the next two games, Primeau began experiencing severe post-concussion symptoms, and has been recovering ever since.

Though not a surprise, this announcement is a huge blow to the Flyers, for whom Primeau plays a key role. Once a 30-goal scorer, Primeau's role changed a bit when he accepted the role of checking line center after Ken Hitchcock came on board as Flyers head coach. Essentially, Primeau would center a line whose main goal was shutting down the opponents top scoring line. But setting ego aside for the good of the team was something Primeau did with ease. He quietly put together a solid defensive season in 2003-2004, but because defensive play does not show up on the stat sheet, and because his 7 goals and 22 points were not exactly flashy, no one outside of Philly took notice. That is, until the 2004 playoffs, when Primeau managed 9 goals and 16 points in 18 playoffs - all while shutting down other team's top scorers. Primeau, who wore the captain's C, singlehandedly carried the injur-riddled Flyers through the Conference Finals to a game 7, which they would lose to the eventual Cup winning Tampa Bay Lightening.

Now, the focus must switch to Primeau's ability to return next season. Many have suggested that retirement might be his only option, but understandably, Primeau is reluctant to consider that at this point. He'll continue to receive treatment, and though he hasn't yet been able to handle more than light skating, he hopes to begin a conditioning program in order to be ready to play hockey in October.

Flyers fans, meanwhile, will cheer for a playoff run this April, but will always be waiting, with baited breath, for an announcement that Keith Primeau will be able to wear orange and black again.