Chris Kunitz announces retirement after 15 NHL seasons

Chris Kunitz has decided to hang up the skates.

The veteran forward announced Tuesday that he will retire from NHL, and take on a role as a player development adviser for the Chicago Blackhawks.

“I’d like to sincerely thank the Anaheim Ducks, the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Chicago Blackhawks. Every one of these organizations was the ultimate example, not only to me, but to my children, on what true professionalism should be” said Kunitz in a statement.

“I’d like to thank the owners, coaches, trainers, management. Your love for the game, the team and the community was exemplified daily. I am very fortunate to have worked with every one of you.”

“To my teammates, thank you for everything. As a young player you taught me to give my very best. Your leadership helped mold me into the player I knew I could be. I was given the opportunity to play with the very best teams and the very best players and I’m grateful for the laughs and the friendships that we shared together. Thank you for making my childhood dream come true.”

The 39-year old, who went undrafted, amassed 268 goals, 351 assists and plus-184 rating over 15 seasons and 1,022 career regular season games, and posted 93 points in 127 playoff games split between the Anaheim Ducks, Atlanta Thrashers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Chicago Blackhawks)

Kunitz has won four Stanley Cups (three with Penguins, one with Ducks) and an Olympic Gold Medal with Team Canada in 2014.