Predators center Paul Gaustad announces his retirement

Nashville Predators center Paul Gaustad is retiring at the age of 34.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Nashville Predators center Paul Gaustad is retiring at the age of 34.

Gaustad announced his retirement Thursday through his Instagram account. Gaustad said that ''although I will miss the competition and camaraderie of playing in the NHL, I'm excited to spend more time with my beautiful family and help my three sons pursue their dreams.''

Known for his face-off efficiency, Gaustad had 89 goals and 142 assists in 727 career regular-season games.

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He played for the Buffalo Sabres in 2002-03 and from 2005-12. Gaustad had been with the Predators since they acquired him from Buffalo in a February 2012 trade.

Gaustad had two goals and four assists in 63 games last season.