Lee Stempniak is hanging up his skates after 13 seasons in the NHL.
The journeyman forward announced his retirement via the NHLPA on Tuesday, closing the book on a career that spanned 911 regular-season games with 10 teams, including the Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets and the St. Louis Blues, who drafted him in the fifth round (148th overall) of the 2003 NHL Draft.
“I am honoured and privileged to have played in the NHL for 13 seasons and I am extremely grateful to have lived my dream every day throughout my career,” Stempniak said in a press release.
“I am forever grateful to my wife, Lindsay, and our three children, Reese, Lucy and Brooks. Without your love, extreme sacrifice and unwavering support throughout all the moves, I would not have enjoyed playing as long as I did. After living in 10 cities, I am looking forward to spending time with my family, settling in Boston and being a father.”
The native of West Seneca, N.Y., broke into the league with the Blues in 2005, putting up 27 points in 57 games. He scored a career-high 52 points the following campaign and spent nearly four seasons with the club before being dealt to Toronto.
Stempniak recorded 203 goals and 469 points over the course of his career.
