Franchise legend officially retires, joins team’s front office staff

This just in, Detroit Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall has officially retired from professional hockey and will join the team’s front office as a an advisor to general manager Steve Yzerman.

The 38 year old Kronwall played his entire 15 year NHL career with the Red Wings and sits third all-time in Red Wings history for points by a defenseman. More importantly though, Kronwall’s physical play earned him a reputation around the NHL as one of the game’s best hitters. In fact, his perchance for catching wingers at his offensive blue line was a staple of his career. So much so, that getting run by Kronwall became a verb, “Kronwalled.”

That hit on Martin Havlat… Holy Mother of God…

The 38 year old Kronwall leaves the game with 83 goals and 432 points in 953 games. He also won a Stanley Cup championship with the team in 2008.