Oilers' Ference calls hip injury 'career-ending,' believes McDavid should be captain

Andrew Ference's time in the NHL may be over.

The 37-year-old was limited to just six games last season and hasn't seen game action since Nov. 27. He suffered micro-fractures in his right hip and while he can swim and bike, he understands where his condition leaves him.

"What is the terminology? I have a career-ending injury," Ference said, according to Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Sun. "That's the way I'm looking at it."

While the news appears to be devastating, Ference admits he has come to grips with his situation and has no regrets.

"I got 16 years. I don't feel I missed out," said Ference. "The people close to me walk on egg-shells until I tell them it's OK. I told my wife it's like graduating from high school. You go to high school, have a blast, have all these great parties but by the time you get to the end of high school, you say, 'All right, I'm ready for the next step.' You have fond memories. If I hadn't won a Stanley Cup (2011 in Boston), that would be tough to swallow now."

The Edmonton Oilers defenseman says he can't even jog, which highlights his current condition. Going forward he expects team doctors will give him the news that it's over.

"I'm trying to introduce more weight-bearing with the gym to work on my (range of) motion but I'm not even jogging ... that obviously comes before skating," said Ference.

Ference was the last Oiler to don the "C," before having the title removed last season. Going forward he feels it's a no-brainer that Connor McDavid will be his successor.

"Absolutely," said Ference. "No doubt about it.

"He's so mature and who he is is who he is. He's not faking it.

"I don't care how old a guy is, if you have those qualities, you're ready, 100 per cent."

If Ference does indeed call it a career, he will finish with 43 goals and 225 points in 907 games, not to mention a Stanley Cup which he captured as a member of the Boston Bruins in 2011.