(Edmonton) Brandon Sutter has announced his retirement from the National Hockey League.
The 34-year-old forward made the announcement in a press release published Sunday by the Edmonton Oilers, who offered him a professional tryout contract on August 28.
The Oilers said they released him earlier in the day.
The player from New York was drafted at 11e overall in the 2007 draft by the Carolina Hurricanes, spending four seasons with that club. He then played for the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Vancouver Canucks.
Sutter did not play for the Canucks in 2021-22 while dealing with symptoms related to long COVID. He did not extend his contract with the team for the 2022-23 campaign.
Sutter played 770 games in 13 seasons in the NHL, amassing 289 points (152 goals, 137 assists) and 149 penalty minutes.
“I am grateful for the opportunity [que le directeur général Ken Holland, l’entraîneur-chef Jay Woodcroft] and the Oilers organization have given me over the last few weeks,” Sutter said. You have to be 100% healthy to compete in the NHL, and although my health continues to improve, I am officially retiring from hockey.
“Thank you to the Oilers, Canucks, Penguins and Hurricanes, and also to my coaches, therapists and teammates for the great experiences during my 13 seasons in the NHL. »