Colorado Avalanche defenseman Curtis Leschyshyn has decided to retire.
The 36 year old played 16 seasons in the NHL including the first eight-plus seasons with the Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche.
Leschyshyn was Quebec's first pick, third overall, in the 1988 Entry Draft and went on to play in 522 career games with the franchise which included winning a Stanley Cup title in 1995-96.
"After going through the entire training camp, I feel it is the appropriate time for me to make that decision," said Leschyshyn. "I'm proud of what I have accomplished as a hockey player and I was fortunate to be playing in the NHL for so many years. I am really happy to retire as a member of the Colorado Avalanche, the organization where I began my career and won a Stanley Cup in 1996."
Leschyshyn also went on to play for Washington, Hartford, Carolina, Minnesota and Ottawa.