Hartnell retires after 17 seasons

Scott Hartnell has retired from the NHL after 17 seasons.

He made the announcement on his Twitter account:

Every young kid from a small town across Canada dreams of playing a game in the NHL ... I was fortunate enough to play 1,249 of them.

A huge thank you to the Nashville Predators (twice), the Philadelphia Flyers, and the Columbus Blue Jackets. You are all world class organizations and it was an honor playing for your cities! (Seventeen) years in the NHL was the best job anyone could ever ask for. The games, the fans, the travel, the hotels, the food, the pregame soccer games, are just some of the things that I will always remember and miss. ...

Thanks again to my family, friends & all of the fans that cheered for me (and against) along the way. I'm looking forward to spending more time with my wife Katie and son Wesley. Cheers to the NHL, and the next phase of life!

Hartnell spent the 2017-18 season with the Nashville Predators - who initially drafted him sixth overall in 2000 - but wasn't offered a contract from the club and hit unrestricted free agency over the summer.

The 36-year-old also spent time with the Philadelphia Flyers and Columbus Blue Jackets over his career. He recorded 327 goals and 380 assists in 1,249 games.