Former Montreal Canadiens forward Paul Byron just isn’t able to retire from professional hockey.

The 34-year-old made the announcement during his appearance on the Raw Knuckles podcast, moderated by Chris Nilan and Tim Stapleton.

• Also read: It’s the end for Paul Byron

About two weeks ago, CH general manager Kent Hughes reluctantly revealed that Byron would soon announce his retirement. The forward has been plagued by numerous injuries in recent years and did not take part last season. His contract with the Habs ended under the terms of the last campaign.

Byron said several doctors told him his body would never allow him to play hockey again. Nevertheless, he does not succeed in putting a spanner in the works in his career.

“I’m used to being told I can’t do something. I find it difficult to change the way I think. I still hope one day to wake up and be healthy. I dream of feeling normal and being able to resume training to become an NHL player again,” said the Franco-Ontarian.

“To no longer have this hope contradicts me. Maybe one day I’ll make it. Maybe I’ll listen to what the doctors tell me and realize that they have the experience and know what they’re talking about. Maybe I’ll stop being naive and tell myself I can do it one last time.

“Mentally I’m not there yet. So I haven’t made my decision yet. There are many places I could play outside of the NHL. That also makes it a difficult decision.”

“Can I play 20 more games? If the answer is yes, I’ll probably sign a contract somewhere. I just can’t and it’s hard.

Byron is clearly in love with his sport, yet plans to stay in the world of hockey when he can grieve his career as a skater.

“I still want to play and be a hockey player. When I can’t take it anymore, I would like to have the opportunity to help young people, to do something related to player development or to sit behind a bench.

The Ottawa native said he has no plans to become an NHL coach one day, but has enjoyed working behind the bench for his son’s team.