Three-Time Stanley Cup Champion Announces His Retirement From the NHL

Alec Martinez has been in the NHL almost as long as some of the league's youngest players have been alive.

The 37-year-old is in his 16th year in the league after making his debut with the LA Kings during the 2009-10 season.

Since then he has appeared in 861 career regular season games and well over 100 playoff contests.

He has recorded 88 goals and 289 points throughout his career while playing stellar defense in his own zone to boot.

Sadly though, all things must pass and so will Martinez's career.

In fact, the veteran blueliner announced today that Chicago's game against the Winnipeg Jets at home in United Center will be the last of his career.

Martinez made the announcement before the game started to longtime NHL reporter and former goaltender Darren Pang.

This will be just his 44th appearance of the season as injuries have prevented him from taking the ice for much of the year.

That has been a common theme throughout his career as he appeared in 70 or more games just three times in his 16-year career, playing the full 82-game schedule just once.

The Blackhawks have two games remaining on their schedule this season, but today will be their last at home, which is why Martinez chose to lace up his skates for the first time since March 22nd.

Martinez joins a growing list of players that have announced their retirements ahead of the offseason, including teammate Pat Maroon, who will also be appearing in his last NHL game tonight.

Similarly, Winnipeg Jets prospect Chaz Lucius announced his retirement at the age of 21 due to a rare medical condition.

This likely will not be the last retirement announcement we get in the coming days so be sure to stay tuned for more news from the league's older players.