Earlier today, PA Parenteau announced his retirement from the game following a 15-year professional hockey career. Being drafted originally by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (now Anaheim Ducks) as a 9th round pick in 2001, he ended up playing for 8 different teams during his time in the NHL.

https://twitter.com/BComptonNHL/status/1007239817493696512

One of those teams was the Toronto Maple Leafs, in which he played there for one year during the grim 2015-16 season. He was one of the few bright spots on a team that struggled throughout the entire campaign.

During his sole season with the Blue and White, Parenteau finished second in scoring with 41 points and lead the team in goals with 20 (just one better than Leo Komarov). In addition, he was one of the few players that finished with a 0 plus/minus rating, had the most game winning goals, was one of their top power play producers, and actually had a solid Corsi-for % of 54.6.

Knowing the team was in for a rough season, it was Mike Babcock that wanted Parenteau on the team and recruited his signing that year. Although the team was unable to trade him at the 2016 deadline, he enjoyed his time with the Leafs so much that he wanted to return if possible.

While the tough 2015-16 campaign ended up landing the Leafs Auston Matthews in the 2016 draft, the inspiring play of Parenteau was a positive aspect of a team that had little going for them that year. The following links are my favourite goals that he scored during his sole season in Toronto:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFrE78G95dM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2oUK6h4rDk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdrvP4RiF2Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJZO6Z12i1Y

Besides the Leafs, Parenteau played for the New York Rangers, New York Islanders, Colorado Avalance, Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, and Nashville Predators. His best season came in 2011-12 where alongside John Tavares and Matt Moulson, he had 18 goals, 49 assists, and 67 points (second on the team in scoring).

He always had a flair for the dramatics and was usually able to execute in the clutch, whether it was to tie the game or take the lead late. He's the kind of player that any team would love to have because of his versatility and ability to produce anywhere in the lineup.

Congrats Parenteau on a great career and enjoy retirement!

All stats for this article are from Hockey-Reference.com.