Gregory Campbell retires to take on player development role with Jackets

Gregory Campbell's playing career is over.

The veteran forward is hanging up his skates after 11 NHL seasons to join the Columbus Blue Jackets as an assistant player development coach.

"I had a lot of time to think about things over the last six or seven months," Campbell told Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch.

"I wasn't ready to stop playing, but that's how it ends for most guys, and when it happens, you've got to move on. I feel like I have a lot to offer, but I also have a lot to learn, too, and the management group here was willing to give me an opportunity that will let me experience different parts of the game."

Campbell will work with Blue Jackets player development coaches Chris Clark and Jarkko Ruutu to help guide the organization's top prospects in North America and Europe.

The 33-year-old was Columbus' final cut in training camp last fall, after which the club suspended him for his refusal to report to the AHL.

The Blue Jackets terminated his contract in December.

Campbell leaves the game having collected 71 goals and 187 points in 803 games, while racking up 696 penalty minutes. He won the Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins in 2011, and appears to have few regrets about his NHL tenure as a whole.

"I'm proud of what I accomplished in my playing career," Campbell said. "I won't ever be looked at as one of the greats, but I did everything I could to be the best player I could be. Nothing will be as much fun as playing, but there's a lot more to hockey, and I'm learning that now. I'm excited to help young guys find their way."