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New York Rangers’ Martin St. Louis Announces Retirement

By Connor Orchard

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After 16 years in the National Hockey League, New York Rangers‘ Martin St. Louis has officially announced his retirement from hockey.

There is nobody on Earth who can say that  St. Louis didn’t have a fantastic career. He played the sport for 16 years, was a seven-time all star, and helped the Tampa Bay Lightning win the Stanley Cup in 2004. In 1,134 NHL games, St. Louis managed to pick up 1,032 points (390 goals, and 642 assists). He also played in a staggering 107 Playoffs games, where he picked up 42 goals and 48 assists. 

It was the least expected outcome of the free agency window, with St. Louis being an unrestricted free agent, and according to the New York Post it was almost certain that he would not return to the New York Rangers for the 2015-16 season. But, teams such as the Montreal Canadiens, and the Pittsburgh Penguins took interest in signing the 40-year-old veteran. However, St. Louis said he wanted to be close to his family in Connecticut.

In his 16 years of playing the game, St. Louis had one hell of a journey, and he can look back on his career with his head held high. He was one of the most talented players in the game, and for such a small player, he was the full package; hard worker, great game sense, speed, shooting, you name it.

After announcing his retirement, St. Louis had this to say: “I have been blessed to play for 16 years in the NHL; it has been an amazing ride. I have dedicated my life to being the best player I could be and now want to turn more of my focus to my three boys. I look forward to this next chapter of my life and the time I will have with my family. I am also thankful to all of the fans who have supported me through the years; it has meant so much to me.”

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St. Louis played the bulk of his career with the Lightning, but he was acquired by the Rangers on March 5, 2014 at the trade deadline in a trade that saw former Rangers captain Ryan Callahan, and two first round picks sent the other way.

Unfortunately, St. Louis didn’t end his career on a high note and wasn’t able to the lift the cup for one last time. But, he played a huge part in the Rangers cup run in 2014. After scoring that unforgettable goal on Mothers Day, and the OT goal in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final, (both of which still give me goosebumps to this day) he has certainly given New York Ranger fans some great memories.

With a career like that, and with the numbers he produced, there is surely no doubt that St. Louis will go on to be a Hall of Famer.

Next: New York Rangers Depth Means Oscar Lindberg Will Be On Opening Roster

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