Paul Stastny retires after 17 seasons

Paul Stastny has retired from the NHL after 17 seasons, the veteran forward confirmed to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.

Stastny was an unrestricted free agent this summer and fielded calls from potential suitors but ultimately decided to hang up his skates.

"I didn't put anything out on social media or anything," Stastny said, per LeBrun. "I kind of came into the league quietly, and I'm leaving the league quietly. That's the way I like it."

He added: "The summer got further along, and I got on the ice a few times ... I wouldn't say the spark wasn't there - I still love the game - but I think I was just ready to move forward to the next chapter.

"When you know, you know."

Statsny suited up for the Carolina Hurricanes in 2022-23 and recorded 22 points in 73 games. He was drafted 44th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in 2005 and also had stints with the St. Louis Blues, Winnipeg Jets, and Vegas Golden Knights.

The 37-year-old finished his career with 293 goals and 529 assists in 1,145 contests.