Ducks veteran Jakob Silfverberg makes a very surprising announcement

This just in, Anaheim Ducks forward Jakob Silfverberg has announced that he'll retire from the NHL following this season.

From NHL insider Chris Johnston:

Silfverberg is just 33 years old and is coming off a five year contract worth $26 million. The native of Gavle, Sweden has seven goals and 19 points in 78 games for the Ducks this season. His career best campaign came in 2016-17 when he managed 23 goals and 49 points in 79 games. In total he has 168 goals and 373 points in 817 career NHL games.

Originally drafted by the Ottawa Senators back in 2009, Silfverberg was traded to the Ducks as part of a package deal for Bobby Ryan in 2013.

“It’s been an honor and privilege to play in the National Hockey League,” said Silfverberg in a prepared statement on the Ducks' website. “I want to thank the Samueli family for being who they are, gracious, community-minded owners that support their team while making a significant impact in our community. Obviously I wouldn’t be where I am without my teammates, all the trainers and staff that have helped me along the way. Most importantly, thank you to my family who have supported me as I lived out a dream.”

“Thank you to the fans around the league, specifically in Anaheim and Ottawa. To spend 11 years in Orange County playing for the Ducks is something I will cherish every day, thanks in large part to all of you.”

“On behalf of the entire Ducks organization, congratulations to Jakob on an outstanding NHL career,” said Ducks General Manager Pat Verbeek in the same statement. “He was the ultimate character player for the Ducks, Senators and his native Sweden, leading by example and always putting the team first. His contributions on the ice and in the Orange County community will have a lasting impact.”

It remains to be seen what Silfverberg does in retirement, but there's some belief that he could return to his native Sweden for at least one more season of professional hockey with his hometown team in Brynas. Silfverberg is somewhat of a living legend for Brynas fans after a historic season with the team in 2011-12 in which he was named league MVP and won the SHL championship.