Staffan Kronwall, younger brother of Niklas, announces retirement

Staffan Kronwall, 37, announced his retirement today, a few days after his KHL team Lokomotiv Yaroslavl were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

The younger brother of Niklas Kronwall, who retired in September of last year, Staffan's hockey career did not play out nearly as well as his sibling's. Unlike his brother, a 1st round draft pick of the Red Wings in 2000, Staffan was taken in the 9th round by the Maple Leafs in 2002. He'd go on to play 66 NHL games between 2005 and 2010, with the Leafs, Capitals and the Flames. He also won the AHL's Calder Cup in 2009 with the Hershey Bears.

A left-handed defenseman like his brother, Staffan was much bigger than Niklas, 6'4", 220 lbs. He spent the last eight seasons with Lokomotiv, the last five as captain. In his KHL career, he compiled 44 goals, 137 assist, and +65 rating in 476 games. He also captained the Swedish National Team to a World Championship gold in 2013.

The club's official Twitter account says "Thank you for everything, Legend!"

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