(WSYM) — (WXYZ) -- Former Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard announced Thursday that he is retiring from the NHL.
"It has been the honor of a lifetime to play and I'm forever thankful to the fans, everyone within the Red Wings organization, my teammates and my family for their ongoing support, loyalty and dedication," Howard wrote on Instagram.
Howard spent 14 seasons with the Red Wings and appeared in two All-Star games, most recently in 2019. He started 518 games for Detroit and had a 246-196-70 record with a 2.62 career goals-against average.
Red Wings head coach Jeff Blashill congratulated Howard on his retirement Thursday.
"Awesome career," Blashill said. "Jimmy was a great teammate, great Red Wing. I was always impressed with how he continued his career at a critical moment when I became head coach, and changed his game, and I thought that was just an example of Jimmy's commitment to his craft. He had a great career and I want to wish him luck as he continues into the next phase of his life."
The 36-year-old Howard says he's focused on spending more time with his family and coaching his son's hockey team.
Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman said in October the team would not offer Howard a contract for the upcoming season, making him a free agent.
