Gionta announces retirement after 16 seasons

Brian Gionta is officially hanging up the skates.

After 16 seasons, the 39-year-old announced his retirement from the NHL on Monday at a press conference hosted by the Buffalo Sabres.

"I'm announcing my retirement today. (I am) looking forward to spending more time with my family and also playing a small part with the organization," Gionta said. "(I am) looking forward to that next step of my career."

Gionta served as captain during his three seasons with the Sabres. He'll now be taking on a player development role with the organization. The native of Rochester, N.Y., called playing in nearby Buffalo a "highlight" of his career.

Gionta began his NHL career in 2001 with the New Jersey Devils, where he won the Stanley Cup in 2003. His 48-goal output with the Devils in 2005-06 still stands as a franchise record.

In all, Gionta posted 595 points across 1,026 career games with the Devils, Montreal Canadiens, Sabres, and Boston Bruins.

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