Former Vancouver Canucks enforcer Gino Odjick is suffering a rare terminal heart illness and may only have a few weeks or months to live.
In a letter published Thursday on the Canucks' website, the 43-year-old Odjick said he was diagnosed with AL (Primary) Amyloidosis two months ago.
"It's causing abnormal protein to be produced and deposits are being formed on my heart," said Odjick. "It's hardening my heart and my doctors aren't sure how long I have to live.
"Initially they thought years, but now they think it could be a lot less. I could be down to months or even weeks."
In the letter, Odjick thanked fans for their support over the duration of his career.
Amyloidosis is a disease in which a waxy protein called amyloid builds up in organs and tissues and disrupts their normal function.
Odjick played from 1990-2002 in the NHL, including eight years in Vancouver and two in Montreal.
He also played for the New York Islanders and Philadelphia Flyers, recording 64 goals, 73 assists and 2,567 penalty minutes in 605 regular season games.