Breaking: Former NHL center and team captain retires at 39-year-old.

World and two-time Gagarin Cup Champion Niko Kapanen Retires

Kapanen was drafted by the Dallas Stars in the 6th round as the 173rd overall pick in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. During the 2005–06 season, Kapanen recorded a career high in goals (14) and points (35). He scored his first career hat trick on February 9, 2006, against the Phoenix Coyotes in a 5–1.

The World and two-time Gagarin Cup champion Niko Kapanen announced he retires. Known to be a great leader among the players he was Jokerit captain for two seasons in the KHL.

He played a total of 397 games in the NHL. He scored 36 goals and registered 90 assists for a total of 126 points. He played for the Stars, Thrashers and Coyotes.