Brandon Sutter retires after 13 NHL seasons

Veteran NHL forward Brandon Sutter announced his retirement from hockey on Sunday.

Sutter spent training camp on a professional tryout with the Edmonton Oilers, but he was released from that opportunity before hanging up his skates.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity that Ken (Holland), Jay (Woodcroft) and the Oilers organization have provided to me the past few weeks,” Sutter said. “You need to be 100% healthy to compete in the NHL, and although my health continues to improve, in consideration of my health and family, I am officially retiring from hockey.

“Thank you to the Oilers, Canucks, Penguins, and Hurricanes, as well as all my past coaches, trainers, and teammates for the incredible experiences throughout my 13 seasons in the NHL.”

Sutter hadn’t played in the NHL since the 2020-21 campaign with the Canucks due to long-term COVID symptoms.

The son of former NHL player and coach Brent Sutter, Brandon was drafted 11th overall by the Hurricanes in 2007. He spent his first four seasons in Carolina and enjoyed his most productive campaign with the club in 2009-10 with 21 goals and 40 points.

Sutter was traded to the Penguins in 2012 as part of the deal that sent Jordan Staal to the Hurricanes. He played three years in Pittsburgh until he was shipped to Vancouver in 2015.

The 34-year-old garnered a reputation as a defensive-minded center throughout his career. He received down-ballot Selke Trophy votes twice, finishing as high as 20th in 2011-12. He also finished as high as 11th in Lady Byng voting in 2012-13.

Sutter tallied 289 points in 770 career NHL games.

On the international stage, Sutter won a gold medal with Canada at the 2008 world juniors.

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