"After a complete evaluation from a number of different physicians and experts associated with this condition, we decided that this was the best and only alternative for me," Konowalchuk said.
Konowalchuk, 33, had 171 goals and 225 assists in 790 games over 13 seasons. He played in 52 playoff games, recording nine goals and 12 assists.
He was drafted by the Washington Capitals in 1991 and acquired by the Avalanche in 2003.