Montreal Canadiens forward Paul Byron, who played 12 seasons in the NHL, announced his retirement Wednesday in a letter addressed to fans.
Byron will remain with the Canadiens as a player development consultant.
The 34-year-old from Ottawa missed all of last season due to a hip injury.
“After many months of processing what is best for my health and the future of my family, I have decided to retire as a professional hockey player,” Byron wrote. “Through many extended attempts of rehabilitation, therapy, visiting and speaking to different doctors, and trying everything to make it back to the game I love, the decision had become clear.
“For my whole life I was able to overcome odds and prove people wrong. For a long time, I held up hope that I could do it one more time, which in turn has made this decision so difficult. But the reality is, I can no longer train, skate, or push myself to the level required to be a professional hockey player due to injuries suffered during my last game and seasons prior.
“As hard as it is to accept that reality, I can’t help but feel incredibly grateful and proud of my career. If you would have told me that this would be my life and career path as a kid and even into my early and mid-twenties, I wouldn’t have believed you.”
Byron was drafted in the sixth round, 179th overall, by the Buffalo Sabres in 2007. He was traded to the Calgary Flames in June 2011 and spent four seasons with the club.
The Canadiens claimed Byron off of waivers in October 2015. He set career highs during the 2016-17 season with 22 goals and 21 assists for 43 points.
Byron played 22 playoff games during Montreal’s run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021 and recorded three goals and three assists.
He had four goals and three assists during the 2021-22 campaign, his final season in the NHL, as injuries limited him to 27 games.
“To all hockey fans, young and old, thank you for making the NHL the greatest hockey league in the world,” Byron said. “Without the fans, none of us would be able to have this dream and live it out.
“To all the young hockey players, never let anyone tell you that you can’t, or that you’re not good enough. I’m proof that you can. Believe in yourself and dedicate yourself to your craft. Focus and listen to your coaches and put in the work, day in and day out, to keep progressing through each small step. Success does not come easy, so don’t let seeds of doubt ever creep in. Good luck to all hockey players out there and see you around the rinks.”