Eighteen months ago, Edmonton Oilers defenceman Spencer Stastney had fallen out of love with hockey. Today, the 26-year-old is back on the ice with a renewed passion, having navigated a challenging personal journey that led him to step away from the game he now cherishes.
A Journey Through Darkness to the NHL Player Assistance Program
The turning point came after the 2024 playoffs with the Milwaukee Admirals, the Nashville Predators' American Hockey League affiliate. While teammates were heartbroken after a loss, Stastney felt only relief that the season was over. "I was absolutely miserable, I had nothing in the tank," Stastney recalled. He described seeing veteran Cal O'Reilly with tears in his eyes, a stark contrast to his own desire to simply get away.
This moment of clarity made him realize he needed a break. "During that whole process, for sure. That's why I stepped away," Stastney said when asked if he had considered quitting. He entered the NHL's Player Assistance Program in late 2024, a resource also used by his current Oilers teammate, goaltender Connor Ingram.
Confronting Personal Demons and Rediscovering Joy
Stastney's struggles weren't primarily about hockey. He cited internal turmoil stemming from his teenage years, including his parents' divorce, which created a difficult family dynamic. "Just a lot of therapy with family, friends… taking time to step back and trying to figure out myself and what I was feeling," he explained. The anxiety became overwhelming, affecting his performance and making his shifts feel painfully short.
His path to recovery involved extensive work with psychologists and opening up about his experiences. In a summer 2025 podcast with Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas, Stastney shared his story publicly, a cathartic step in his healing process. He also found support in talking with Ingram, who had shared similar experiences during their time together in the Predators' system.
A Fresh Start in Edmonton with a Familiar Face
Traded to the Edmonton Oilers on December 12, 2025, Stastney has found a new beginning. He now partners on defence with Ty Emberson, a teammate from their days in the U.S. National Team Development Program. The change of scenery has coincided with a dramatic shift in his mindset.
Stastney's resurgence comes as he prepares to face his former team, the Nashville Predators, for the first time since the trade. Now wearing a "megawatt smile," as described by observers, he is fully invested in his career again. He acknowledges the privilege of his position, stating, "I realize a lot of kids would die to be here," but emphasizes the importance of addressing personal issues to perform at his best.
His story highlights the growing awareness and support for mental health within professional sports, demonstrating that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and can lead to a triumphant return to form.
