Lecavalier officially retires after 17 National Hockey League seasons

Lecavalier, 36, spent this past season with the Los Angeles Kings but was best known as an offensive threat during his 14 seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Going back in time towards April, there was some minor speculation of which this was bound to happen, however, nobody had any exact information to confirm the potential transaction as he was more comfortable with the idea to wait a while longer before putting out an announcement. I could not have accomplished anything without your love and support. I will never forget winning the Cup together in 2004, and the incredible support from Lightning fans. Thanks to the trade, Lecavalier was able to finish his career on the ice and even make a playoff appearance.

When he joined the Kings in January, Lecavalier declared the 2015-16 season would be his last.

Lecavalier was the No. 1 overall pick by Tampa Bay in the 1998 National Hockey League draft. He’ll walk away from the game with a Stanley Cup, a Rocket Richard Trophy, and just 51 points shy of hitting the 1,000 mark for his career.

Lecavalier was revitalized as a third-line center in Los Angeles, getting 10 goals and seven assists in 42 games while thriving in the Kings’ defensive brand of hockey. To the coaches who have developed me and challenged me – you made me a better player and person.

In a statement released by Lecavalier, he wrote that “hockey is the greatest team sport in the world”. There is nothing like sharing a locker room with your teammates and competing together day in and day out.

The home opener will be an integral part of the team’s 50th anniversary celebration, which will conclude with the 2017 NHL All-Star Game at Staples Center.

He signed a whopping 11-year, $85 million contract extension with the Lightning in 2008, which was bought out after the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season.