“After 14 amazing years in the National Hockey League, I have decided to retire. I never knew hockey would take me this far. This game has had a dramatic impact in developing me into the man I am today.
I would like to begin by saying thank you to the seven organizations that trusted me to represent their teams and cities. The Colorado Avalanche, for drafting me and giving me my first opportunity in the NHL. The St. Louis Blues, and the great city of St. Louis for welcoming me and making feel at home for seven years. The Washington Capitals, for giving me a chance to make a run at winning the Stanley Cup. The New York Rangers, for fulfilling a childhood dream of playing for my favourite team. The Tampa Bay Lightning, for believing in me when maybe I didn’t fully believe in myself. Your faith and confidence rewarded me with the greatest gift of all The Stanley Cup!
The Anaheim Ducks, for trusting me to be a leader for their young players starting their careers. Finally, to the Boston Bruins, for valuing my qualities as a player and a leader in the locker room. Thank you to all of my great General Managers and coaches for treating me with respect and teaching me some great life lessons along the way.
I could never forget about the men and women behind the scenes who worked tirelessly to make sure that I had everything I needed to be successful. To every equipment manager, team services member and athletic trainer, thank you for dedicating your time to me and my family. Also, to the public relations and community service teams for creating opportunities for me to showcase my personality to the fans.
I also wanted to thank the NHLPA and its staff for always offering the players the resources we needed. I have been proud to be involved with such a unified group along my career and I look forward to seeing the union grow stronger in the future.
Thank you to my long-time strength and conditioning mentor, Ben Prentiss. My career surely would not have been as long as it was if it weren’t for you. You pushed me to levels I didn’t know existed and cared about my health and well being as much as anyone possibly could.
To my agent, Jordan Neumann, my navigator through this hockey world since I was 15 years old. Your guidance and friendship always steered me down the right path. You have become a part of my family for life. Thank you to you and George for helping me every step of the way.
I can proudly say that I have accomplished most of my career goals. I scored big goals, including a Stanley Cup final overtime goal, played in All Star games, represented my country in the Olympics, and won a Stanley Cup! What makes me even prouder when I reflect back on my career, are the countless friendships that I have made along the way. I remember early on in my career how much I loved being together for a night out or a post-game hot stove with the boys. I told myself back then that I never wanted to miss those moments. Those are the times I will most remember and cherish forever. Thank you to all my teammates, it was an honor to play with all of you.
Thank you to my older brothers, Eric and Keith. You allowed me to dream big. I always aspired to be as good as you guys were. You were always right there to support me and push me further. You guys made me a better player and a better man. Thank you to Courtney, Aarti, Charlie, Olivia, Niam, and Layla for coming to countless games and making me feel at home on the road so many times throughout my career.
To my parents, Pat and Barbara. You turned my big dreams into a reality. The level of sacrifice that you both made for us to play this game was incredible and I am eternally grateful for all you have done to help me make this dream come true. I know you will miss it as much as I will because of how invested you always were in my career. You never pushed me to do something I didn’t want to do, but you always made sure I understood that if I really wanted to achieve any success, I would need to work for it. I could not have had this wonderful career without you. Thank you!
To my incredible wife Deanna. After visiting me in St. Louis 10 years ago you made the choice to become a part of my hockey life. I am so lucky you did! Every injury, trade or healthy scratch, every cross-country move, you were always there for me. You knew when I needed sympathy or when I needed a kick in the ass. I believe you were made for this life just as much as I was and I am forever thankful that I was able to go through all of this with you by my side. I could not have done it without you. Thank you for our incredible family and for the incredible amount of love and support you have provided for all of us.
Finally, to my children, Connor, Isla and Hazel. I always thought that hockey would be the biggest part of my life until you three came along. Seeing you after games always put things into perspective, win or lose. Your unconditional love for me is my greatest gift in life. I know being away for long stretches always took a toll on you guys. I am so excited to finally be around for all the special moments as you grow up.
I want to say one final thank you to all the fans who have supported me along the way. Your passion for hockey is what made stepping onto the ice every night so much fun and playing in front of you was a privilege that I never took for granted. I am super excited for the future, and what this next chapter in life has in store for me, but the memories of the past 14 years will last a lifetime.
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”
