Radek Dvorak retires after 18 seasons

Free agent winger Radek Dvorak has retired from the NHL after 18 seasons.

Free agent right wing Radek Dvorak has retired from the NHL, the NHL Players Association announced on Tuesday. 

Dvorak, 37, played for eight different teams in his career, most recently spending the 2013-14 season with the Carolina Hurricanes. He's also been a member of the Florida Panthers, New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, St. Louis Blues, Atlanta Thrashers, Dallas Stars and Anaheim Ducks.

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"It was an honor for me to play in the best league in the world for 18 seasons," said Dvorak. "I would like to thank to all the organizations, coaches and teammates I played for or with. Also, thank you to my parents, wife and kids who have always supported me and helped me throughout my whole career. At last I would like to thank to my fans who believed in and followed me all these years."

A former first-round draft pick by the Panthers in 1995, Dvorak finishes his career with 1,260 games played, 227 goals and 363 assists. He totaled nine points in 60 games for the Hurricanes last season.

- Molly Geary