Another member of the memorable 2003 NHL Draft class is calling it a career.
Jeff Carter announced after the Pittsburgh Penguins regular-season finale that he was retiring from the NHL after 19 seasons.
Carter appeared in 1,320 career NHL games with the Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets and Los Angeles Kings. He finished his career with 441 goals and 850 points.
The London, Ont., native scored in his final game and was greeted by the New York Islanders after the game with a handshake line.
“I’m going to be a dad. You miss a lot being a hockey player — you’re in and out in a way,” Carter said when asked about what’s next for him. “My family sacrificed a lot for me to live out my dream. I’m going to be home and be a dad and then figure it out from there.”
The 39-year-old won two Stanley Cup championships with the Kings in 2012 and 2014. He also captured an Olympic gold medal with Canada at the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Marc-Andre Fleury, who was also selected in the 2003 draft, announced that he was returning for his final season with the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday.
