Former NHL defenseman Sami Salo retires
Sami Salo is hanging up his skates.
The 40-year-old former NHL defenseman last played with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2013-14. He spent two seasons with the Lightning after nine with the Vancouver Canucks and four with the Ottawa Senators.
The Canucks, Lightning, and Senators each paid tribute to Salo on Thursday.
Shoutout to Sami Salo on a great career. What a competitor, what a shot. Enjoy retirement! pic.twitter.com/kxKjuT63Rz
— Vancouver Canucks (@VanCanucks) August 13, 2015
Congrats to former #TBLightning defenseman Sami Salo on a great career. pic.twitter.com/agAK0Fl3VK
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) August 13, 2015
Drafted by the #Sens back in 1996, congrats to Sami Salo on a great career. #tbt pic.twitter.com/1PWD9y1fAo
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) August 13, 2015
Marc Crawford, who coached Salo with the Canucks, also wished him well.
Congratulations to classy D man Sami Salo on his outstanding career. The Big Finn with the Big Shot. Use Spf 50 during your retirement Sami
— Marc Crawford (@TsnMarcCrawford) August 13, 2015
Salo's retirement was first reported by Finnish publication Ilta-Sanomat.
He leaves the game with 339 career points in 878 regular-season games, along with 31 points in 102 playoff contests.
Salo won silver medals with Finland at the 2001 World Hockey Championship and the 2006 Winter Olympics. He won bronze at the Olympic Games in 2010 and 2014.