RETIREMENT MARTY
St. Louis calls it a career following 16 NHL seasons
Next stop, the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Martin St. Louis announced his retirement from the NHL on Thursday after an illustrious 16year career, the final 1 ¹/₂ seasons spent with the Rangers. The 5foot7 winger out of Laval, Quebec, went undrafted after four years at the University of Vermont and stands as a testament to hard work and perseverance in the face of doubters.
“I have been blessed to play for 16 years in the NHL; it has been an amazing ride,” St. Louis said in statement released by the Rangers. “I would like to thank the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers organizations and owners for providing me the opportunity to play the sport I love for so many years.”
St. Louis’ career peaked with coach John Tortorella’s Lightning in 2004, when he won the first of his two Art Ross Trophies as the league’s leading scorer, his lone Hart Trophy as MVP and, most importantly, his lone Stanley Cup.
Yet a contentious relationship with Tampa Bay general manager Steve Yzerman led to his departure at the 201314 trade deadline. St. Louis was sent to New York as part of the deal that swapped captains, with Ryan Callahan going to the Lightning. St. Louis waived his notrade clause and was excited to be closer to his family, based in Connecticut.
“I could have never played for so long or accomplished all that I have without the unwavering love and support from my wife, Heather, our three sons, Ryan, Lucas, and Mason, and my parents,” St. Louis said.
His most lasting memory as a Ranger came in the wake of heartache, after his mother, France, unexpectedly died during the Blueshirts’ 2014 playoff run. Down 31 in the bestofseven, secondround series against the Penguins, the Rangers rallied around St. Louis and stormed back en route to the Stanley Cup final, where they lost to the Kings in five games.
“I have had the good fortune of working with some incredible players and trainers throughout my career who I am grateful to also call good friends,” St. Louis said. “I am also thankful to all of the fans who have supported me through the years; it has meant so much to me.”
St. Louis started his career with the Flames, who signed him as a free agent in 1998. He finished with seven AllStar appearances, eleven 20goal seasons and seven 30goal seasons. In 1,134 regularseason games, he had 391 goals, 642 assists and 1,033 points. St. Louis totaled 80 or more points in six of his 16 seasons played, posting a careerhigh 102 points in 200607.
“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,” St. Louis said. “I look forward to this next chapter of my life and the time I will have with my family.”