Slater Koekkoek didn't spend much time with the Oilers or in the NHL for that matter, and now he blames Ken Holland's words for putting a quick end to his days. Former Oilers defenceman Slater <a href='https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5152309/2024/03/13/slater-koekkoek-nhl-retirement-anxiety/' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Koekkoek opens up about his mental health journey</a> and why he hung up his pro hockey skates, a decision largely brought about by a monumental meeting with Ken Holland he once had. Anxiety was listed as the major proponent by <a href='https://www.nhl.com/player/slater-koekkoek-8476886' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Slater Koekkoek</a> for his 28-year-old retirement. He informed Jason Gregor during an interview about his meeting with Ken Holland where he called him a player who is good for nothing but killing the clock. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/Sports1440/status/1865950497468977244'> </a></blockquote></div> It was something that made him feel he could no longer continue in the NHL. That's too bad to hear, especially more so regarding how it took its toll on Koekkoek's mind. After that meeting, I really evaluated my life You're gonna tell me that I don't do anything positive or negative with the struggles that I'm going through every day, on a day to day basis? Okay, I'll reevaluate what I'm doing with my time. - Slater Koekkoek The bottom six forwards bring so much value to a team, value that should be embraced, not marginalized. While Holland is one of the most respected men around hockey, comments like that show an old-school mindset that's ready for an adjustment. Koekkoek finally added that his anxiety before the games swelled up to such an extent that he could not eat on game days while going through all this privately, away from teammates. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/JasonGregor/status/1864452717709808090'> </a></blockquote></div> The general manager has to make sure such a culture is nurtured in which every player counts and is involved in team success. The defenceman, selected 10th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning back in 2012, signed in Edmonton in 2020, getting into 37 games across two seasons. No doubt, his battle with his mind will be an inspiration for many more. Everybody is hoping for the best for him, turning the next page of his life.