2023-09-06 20:09:01
Michael Del Zotto announced his retirement from the NHL following 13 seasons on Wednesday.
The 33-year-old defenseman had 262 points (63 goals, 199 assists) in 736 regular season games with the Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets, St. Louis Blues, Anaheim Ducks, Canucks Vancouver, Philadelphia Flyers, Nashville Predators and New York Rangers. He added 12 points (three goals, nine assists) in 32 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
Del Zotto most recently played in the NHL with the Senators in 2021-22. He had 41 points (eight goals, 33 assists) in 65 games in the American Hockey League last season with San Diego (Ducks) and Charlotte (Florida Panthers).
Selected by the Rangers in the first round (20th overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Del Zotto was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team in 2009-10 following recording 37 points (nine goals, 28 assists) in 80 games.
“It’s a bittersweet day today,” Del Zotto wrote on his Instagram account on Wednesday. “I had the chance to play 14 seasons of professional hockey. The blood, sweat and tears shed, the broken bones, the triumphs, the disappointments and the sacrifice, it was all worth it. Same for the beautiful bonds that I have forged along the way. »
Del Zotto did not play for the Blues in the 2019 playoffs following being acquired in a trade with the Ducks on February 25, 2019, but his name was engraved in the Stanley Cup when the Blues won the championship because he had played more than 41 regular-season games that season (seven with St. Louis, 12 with Anaheim, 23 with Vancouver).
“This version of me is ready to kick off the next chapter of my life at full throttle,” Del Zotto wrote. I am ready to explore the world and take on new challenges. More importantly, I’m excited to spend more time with my family and have the opportunity to make up for all the time I’ve lost. »
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