Mark Streit has decided to put an end to his hockey career

According to the Blick, NHL defenseman Mark Streit has decided to put an end to his career. He thus hangs up his skates after playing professionally for 22 years.

Photo: Icon Sportswire / David Kirouac

The 39-year-old defenseman, who will soon undergo shoulder surgery in Philadelphia, was in talks with SC Bern after dissolving his contract with the Montreal Canadiens but in the end, nothing came of it. "I've always said that I wanted to end my career in the NHL," Streit tells Le Matin, confirming his retirement. "I've kept my word."

Streit, who captained the Swiss national team for many years, has played in 820 NHL games over the course of his career, scoring 100 goals and 349 assists. Drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in 2004, he suited up for the Habs, the New York Islanders, the Philadelphia Flyers, and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

He was the first Swiss player ever to become a captain of an NHL team and was and is looked up to by many Swiss players who are trying to make it in North America and here in Switzerland. Last June, he crowned his career - which already included an NLA title with the ZSC Lions at that time - with a Stanley Cup.