Breaking: Veteran of 1000+ NHL games announces his retirement!

Forward and enforcer Chris Neil announced his retirement from the National Hockey League on Thursday.

Neil, who was still without a deal after he was not offered a contract extension from the Ottawa Senators this summer, finally called it quits.

Chris Neil here to announce his retirement with Pierre Dorion and Randy Lee #Sens pic.twitter.com/yInQnwgxCG
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) December 14, 2017

"Without a doubt the toughest and the grittiest Senator of all time," says Dorion. #Sens
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) December 14, 2017

"I've made the decision to retire and move into the next chapter of my life," says Chris Neil. #Sens
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) December 14, 2017

"Thanks to this amazing city that I now call home," says an emotional Neil. #Sens
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) December 14, 2017

After 1,026 games, all with the #Sens, Chris Neil has officially announced his retirement from the @NHL. #Congrats pic.twitter.com/Mc1VGS8dkB
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) December 14, 2017

The veteran of 1026 games in the NHL was presented a professional tryout offer by the Montreal Canadiens in September, but he did not accept it.

Neil recently explained to Andrew Zadarnowski that he believed the Habs knew what he was able to do. The 38-year-old veteran did not want to have to compete with young players, and refused the PTO.

In 1026 NHL games, all with the Senators, Neil has tallied 112 goals and 250 points, to which he added 2522 penalty minutes.