Tribune staff
Martin St. Louis, perhaps the best player in Tampa Bay Lightning history before a bitter split with management led to an in-season trade to the New York Rangers, announced his retirement Thursday from the NHL.
“I have been blessed to play for 16 years in the NHL; it has been an amazing ride,” St. Louis said in a statement.
St. Louis, 40, spent 14 years in Tampa Bay, and stands second in franchise history in goals with 365 and first in points with 953.
He was a key part of the 2003-04 Stanley Cup championship team as he lead the NHL with 94 points in 82 games.