Other NHL veteran and legend is leaving NHL. LA Kings player Vincent Lecavalier retires after 17 years in NHL. He wants to give his time to family, in similar way like Pavel Datsyuk who left Detroit Red Wings. Canadian born Vincent Lecavalier participated in five NHL play off games with LA Kings this season after he was acquired from Philadelphia Flyers. He spent majority of his NHL career (14 from 17 seasons) with Tampa Bay Lightnings. He was selected by them in the first round in 1999 NHL Draft. He finished his astonishing career with Maurice ‘Rocket’ Richard Trophy and 1,212 games (1037 with Tampa Bay franchise), scored 421 goals and notched 949 points. He belongs to the most charitable NHL players.
He issued an announcement:
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