Phaneuf officially retires

Dion Phaneuf has officially called it a career.

The former defenseman spent time with the Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, and Los Angeles Kings in a career that spanned over 1,000 games and 14 seasons.

The 36-year-old hasn't played in the NHL since the Kings bought out his contract in 2019.

"As I look back, it's hard to encapsulate and thank the great number of people who supported and guided me both as a player and a person throughout my career," Phaneuf said in a statement to the NHLPA. "I was very fortunate to play in the NHL for a long time, and I'm thankful first and foremost to my mom, dad, and brother for their untiring support on and off the ice. My heartfelt love and appreciation also goes to my wife, Elisha, and our daughter."

The Flames selected Phaneuf in the first round of the 2003 draft. The three-time All-Star enjoyed a stunning rookie campaign during the 2005-06 season, ending the year with 20 goals and 29 assists. He was named a finalist for the Calder Trophy alongside Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby.

He was also nominated for the Norris Trophy during the 2007-08 season but lost to Nicklas Lidstrom.

Phaneuf never won a Stanley Cup and advanced outside of the first round of the playoffs just once in his career. He and the Senators lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins in double overtime in Game 7 of the 2017 Eastern Conference Final.

Phaneuf served as the Maple Leafs' captain from 2010-16, succeeding Mats Sundin, who wore the "C" until the 2007-08 season.

The Leafs will honor Phaneuf with a pregame ceremony prior to Tuesday's clash against the Nashville Predators, according to Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun.

"A great thanks to the entire Toronto Maple Leafs organization, their ownership, and leadership ... for providing me with this opportunity to retire with such love and support here in Toronto," Phaneuf said. "It was a special honor to represent the Maple Leafs as team captain - a point of pride and honor that I will carry with me forever."

Phaneuf ended his career with 494 points (137 goals and 357 assists) over 1,048 regular-season games and 21 points (seven goals, 14 assists) in 55 playoff contests.