Brian Gionta has retired after 16 NHL seasons, two Olympic appearances and a Stanley Cup title with the New Jersey Devils in 2003.
The 39-year-old forward once captained the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens. He said at a news conference Monday he wants to stay involved in hockey and spend more time with his family.
Gionta has agreed to a part-time job as a player-development assistant with the Sabres. He is from nearby Rochester, New York, and lives in Buffalo.
FILE - In this Nov. 22, 2014, file photo, Buffalo Sabres right wing Brian Gionta (12) plays against the Washington Capitals during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Washington. A person with direct knowledge of forward Brian Gionta’s decision tells The Associated Press the former Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres captain, and two-time United States Olympian will announce he's retiring after 16 NHL seasons. The person spoke to The AP on the condition of anonymity Monday, Sept. 24, 2018, because Gionta hasn't publicly revealed what he plans to announce during a news conference scheduled for later in the day at the Sabres downtown arena. (AP PhotoAlex Brandon, File)
Gionta spent most of last season out of the NHL while preparing to play at the Pyeongchang Winter Games. He then signed with Boston, where he had two goals and seven assists in 21 games, including one in the playoffs. Gionta had 291 goals and 595 points in 1,026 career games.
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