Brendan Shanahan won't be playing for the New Jersey Devils this season after all.
The veteran star forward announced today that he has left the club and won't playing this season.
"I have decided not to continue with the New Jersey Devils for my 22nd NHL season," Shanahan said in a statement.
"When I signed this past summer, (GM) Lou Lamoriello, (head coach) Jacques Lemaire, and I agreed that if we were unable to find a suitable fit in which I would be able to compete and contribute at the level I expect from myself, then I would simply step aside."
Shanahan, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, ranks 11th on the NHL's all-time scoring list with 656 goals. The 40-year-old was drafted second-overall by the Devils in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft.
"I am planning to spend the next couple of weeks with my family to reflect on and evaluate my plans for the future," Shanahan added in his statement. "Most importantly, I would like to thank my former teammates and wish them the best of luck for this season."
[ From the Editor ]
Shanahan seems to have lost some positioning with the Devils after rookies Niclas Bergfors and Matt Halischuk seemed to have battled for more ice time this season. He's going out on his own terms, even though he's not yet retired. We wish him all the best. -- David Pagnotta
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