2-time Stanley Cup champion Hornqvist retires

Patric Hornqvist is calling it a career, he confirmed to Swedish outlet Sportbladet on Wednesday.

The 36-year-old played 22 games with the Florida Panthers last season, tallying one goal and three points. He played his final game Dec. 3 against the Seattle Kraken, where he suffered a concussion.

"I've been in this bubble since I started to play as a kid. Hockey has been a huge part of my life, so of course it's a difficult decision to make," Hornqvist said. "It will be a big transition, but it feels good now, I'm looking forward to the rest of my life. It's the most important thing."

"I'm feeling fine now and hopefully I have many fine years ahead of me," Hornqvist continued. "And with my history of injuries, I don't want to risk any future harm."

Hornqvist was a two-way force in his prime, helping the Pittsburgh Penguins win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017. He scored the Cup-clinching goal in Game 6 of the 2017 Final against the Predators.

In 901 games with the Nashville Predators, Penguins, and Panthers, he accrued 264 goals and 543 points. He's tied for 10th among Swedish players in career goals and is 27th in points.

Hornqvist hit the 30-goal mark once - in 2009-10 with the Predators - and reached a career-high of 53 points in 2013-14, also with Nashville.

In 106 career postseason games, Hornqvist tallied 28 goals and 53 points. He's one of 25 Swedish players to eclipse 100 Stanley Cup playoff games.

On the international stage, Hornqvist represented Sweden on multiple occasions. He played at the U18s and world juniors for his nation, as well as five World Championships and the 2010 Olympics. He captured gold at the Worlds in 2018.

Hornqvist was drafted with the final pick in 2005, 230th overall by Nashville.