Vincent Lecavalier retires from NHL

"The Neutral Zone" Staff Report

Vincent Lecavalier has announced his retirement from the NHL on Tuesday after 17 seasons in the league.

Below in italics is his full statement announcing his retrement.

As I publicly announced at the time I was traded to the Los Angeles Kings, the 2015/16 season would be my last in the NHL.  I recently informed the Kings that I am stepping away from the game and will no longer play professional hockey.  It is my desire and intention to retire.

Hockey has provided me so much in my lifetime but requires an incredible commitment.  It is now time for me to devote more time to my family.  

I want to take this opportunity to thank the people who have helped me along the way and shared this journey with me.   First and foremost, I would like to thank my parents, my wife, Caroline, my brother Philippe, sister Genevieve and my entire family.  I could not have accomplished anything without your love and support.  Thank you to the Tampa Bay Lightning for drafting me and providing me the opportunity to embark on my NHL career.  I will never forget winning the Cup together in 2004, and the incredible support from Lightning fans.  To the LA Kings, thank you for providing me the opportunity to finish my career on a positive note.  To the coaches who have developed me and challenged me - you made me a better player and person.  To my agent, Kent Hughes, thank you for all your efforts and support throughout my career.  

Hockey is the greatest team sport in the world.  There is nothing like sharing a locker room with your teammates and competing together day in and day out.  I have made lifelong friends and I’d like to thank them for making this an unforgettable journey…. Thank you 

The Los Angeles Kings acquired Lecavalier and defenseman Luke Schenn from the Philadelphia Flyers on January 6, 2016.

The 36-year-old native of Ile Bizard, Quebec recorded 20 or more goals in 13 of his 17 NHL seasons. He now finishes his NHL career with 421 goals and 949 points in 1,212 regular season games.  He posted 26 goals and 56 points in 75 career postseason games. 

Lecavalier was originally selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning first overall in the first round of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.