Veteran goalie leaves free-agent market and retires!

Almost two weeks into free agency and the goaltending landscape across the NHL has undergone some changes. A new one came on Wednesday when veteran goalie Thomas Greiss told NHL.com/de senior independent correspondent Stefan Herget that he was retiring after 14 seasons.

“There have been some considerations (about playing), but the bottom line is, I looked at a few offers that didn’t really appeal to me,” Greiss said. “As a result, I was ready to make the move and am looking forward to doing some new things in my life. Our job comes with a lot of freedom, but now I can tackle some new challenges.”

Greiss, who became the first Germany-born goalie to play at least 100 NHL games, started his NHL career when he was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the third round (No. 94) of the 2004 NHL Draft. He ends his career with a record of 162-130-37 with a 2.77 GAA, .911 save percentage and 16 shutouts in 368 regular-season games (323 starts) for the Blues, Detroit Red Wings, New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins, Phoenix Coyotes and Sharks and 7-8 with a 2.43 GAA, .922 save percentage and one shutout in 17 Stanley Cup Playoff games (14 starts).

The veteran goalie plans on staying involved in hockey, though he deserves to celebrate his long NHL career following this huge announcement.

“I’m already going to stay connected to hockey and possibly do something with one team or another,” he said. “But right now, I want to get some distance and let the rest come to me.”

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