Lecavalier announces retirement after 17 seasons

Vincent Lecavalier is hanging up his skates after 17 NHL seasons.

The 36-year-old center officially announced his retirement from professional hockey Tuesday, offering the following statement through the Los Angeles Kings:

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.

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

Drafted first overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 1998, Lecavalier appeared in 1,212 career games, the majority of which were with the Florida-based club. He ends his career as Tampa Bay's leader in games played (1,037) and goals (383), and was an integral part of the team's Stanley Cup win in 2004.

After the Lightning bought out his contract following the 2013 lockout, he signed with the Philadelphia Flyers, recording 20 goals and 58 points in 133 games.

Lecavalier declared his intention to retire after being traded to the Los Angeles Kings this past season. The move was agreed to as Lecavalier looked to go out on top as a Stanley Cup champion, but the Kings' playoff run came to an abrupt end thanks to a first-round loss at the hands of the San Jose Sharks.

He mentioned both the Lightning and Kings in his statement:

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.

The decision will save both the Kings and Flyers a significant amount against the salary cap:

Lecavalier himself will also continue to earn salary from the Lightning as part of the aforementioned buyout.

Altogether, Lecavalier scored 421 goals and added 528 assists in the regular season, while adding 26 goals and 30 assists in 75 playoff games.