NHLers tweet appreciation for Martin St. Louis

Teammates congratulate New York Rangers right wing Martin St. Louis (26) after he scored in February. (Kathy Willens/AP)

Emily Sadler July 2, 2015, 10:18 PM

Martin St. Louis announced his retirement from professional hockey on Thursday after 16 remarkable NHL seasons.

https://twitter.com/SNstats/status/616662722202218501/photo/1

Martin St. Louis Awards:
1 Stanley Cup
1 Hart Trophy
1 Ted Lindsay/Lester B Pearson Award
2 Art Ross Trophies
3 Lady Byng Trophies

— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) July 2, 2015

Many former teammates, peers and on-ice foes took to Twitter to show their appreciation for the 40-year-old winger’s hockey talents, sportsmanship and contributions to the game, and to wish him well for what’s next.

“I have been blessed to play for 16 years in the NHL; it has been an amazing ride." – @mstlouis_26 #NYR pic.twitter.com/E6sJMKkF4u

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) July 2, 2015

MSL: "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." #respect

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 2, 2015

https://twitter.com/mstlouis_26/status/616755678112145409

Here’s a selection of NHLers’ sentiments from around the league:

Congratulations to Martin St. Louis on a incredible 16-year @NHL career! pic.twitter.com/5cQYIfYsgo

— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) July 2, 2015

https://twitter.com/TBLightning/status/616668989645791232/photo/1

Statement from the #TBLightning organization on Martin St. Louis announcing his retirement. pic.twitter.com/RIYvbO5F75

— x – Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) July 2, 2015

#NYR @mstlouis_26,

Thank you for all the highlights & memories! Here is 1 of the special moments we will remember.https://t.co/uCCQWmk5pf

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) July 2, 2015

#NYR @mooredom commented on @mstlouis_26 retirement: "We’ve been teammates for a few years and had some long playoff runs together." (cont)

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) July 2, 2015

…"He’s the best teammate I’ve ever played with, without a doubt. It’s easy to say that." – @mooredom #NYR (cont)

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) July 2, 2015

Thank you @mstlouis_26 for everything you taught me as a player, and more importantly as a person. Amazing career!!! pic.twitter.com/uoFf11zYl6

— Steven Stamkos (@RealStamkos91) July 2, 2015

Congrats to @mstlouis_26 on a great career!

— Martin Brodeur (@MartinBrodeur) July 3, 2015

https://twitter.com/jgorges26/status/616664771274932224

Congrats @mstlouis_26 on an amazing career! The way you competed every day was inspiring. Good luck with your next chapter in life! #26

— Henrik Lundqvist (@HLundqvist) July 2, 2015

https://twitter.com/RMcDonagh27/status/616729930232168448

https://twitter.com/grabs40/status/616662395231031296

So fortunate I got to play and learn from @mstlouis_26. Even though we leaned down to talk you we didn't look up to anyone more. #HOF

— Teddy Purcell (@teddypurcell16) July 3, 2015

https://twitter.com/heds77/status/616721544132231168

https://twitter.com/Ferknuckle/status/616744037278597120

Congrats to @mstlouis_26 on a hall of fame career! Learned a ton training with you these past few years

— James van Riemsdyk (@JVReemer21) July 2, 2015

Congrats on an incredible career, @mstlouis_26! We're beyond proud to call you an #AHL alum. pic.twitter.com/UrHMD43n5x

— American Hockey League (@TheAHL) July 2, 2015