Canadian winger Kris Versteeg is putting an end to his NHL career. Versteeg, who won two Stanley Cups with Chicago Blackhawks, announced his retirement on Tuesday.
Versteeg last played in NHL in 2018 with Calgary Flames before spending the following two years in Europe. He hoped to return to the league this season, starting the 2019/20 with AHL’s Rockford IceHogs but ended up leaving the team after just three games and Slovakia side Nitra.
Versteeg announced his decision in a statement released through NHL Players’ Association.
“What a run it was,” said Versteeg. “I took a lot for granted in my time in the NHL. But the one thing I never took for granted were the relationships I made with my teammates and staffs of the hockey clubs I played for.”
Over the course of 11 years in NHL, Kris Versteeg played with Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers, Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, Los Angeles Kings, and Flames. His most memorable performances, however, came in Chicago, where he was selected in the NHL All-Rookie Team and was an important part of the teams that won the championships in 2010 and 2015.
“Thank you to every organization I was able to play for. I didn’t realize it then, but I certainly appreciate now how amazing it was to play in the NHL,” he added.
Versteeg leaves the NHL, having played a total of 643 games in which he scored 149 goals and dished 209 assists.
