Primeau Set to Retire

From TSN, Flyers captain Keith Primeau, 34, will retire Thursday after failing to receive clearance to play because of lingering effects of a concussion.

''Although he's been able to do more, he really hasn't been able to eliminate all of his symptoms,'' Flyers team physician Gary Dorshimer said Wednesday. ''He still having these symptoms and I can't clear him to go back to full activity.''

Primeau, who has two years and more than US$6 million remaining on his contract, missed 21 games because of a concussion sustained against the Rangers in the 2003-04 season.

Primeau matched his career high with 73 points in 2000-01, and led the Flyers in playoff goals (nine) and points (16) in 2004 when he helped lead them within a win of the Stanley Cup final.

He finishes with 266 goals and 619 points.

Sami Kapanen, a Flyers player since 2003, said he ''would be honoured'' to wear the C on his jersey. Simon Gagne, who rejected a chance to fill the spot last season, called the captaincy ''a lot of pressure.''

Chosen in the first round by Detroit in the 1990 draft, Primeau spent six seasons with the Red Wings and three more with Hartford/Carolina. After missing the first half of the 1999-2000 season with Carolina because of a contract dispute, Primeau was traded to the Flyers and brought immediate toughness and leadership to the locker room.

''He was a good player and a great leader,'' Hitchcock said. ''That's a great combination.''