Yannick Weber announces retirement from NHL, will continue on in Europe

Former Habs, Canucks, Predators, and Penguins defenceman Yannick Weber has announced his retirement from the NHL and will continue to play overseas in his home country of Switzerland for the ZSC Lions.

Weber made the announcement in an Instagram post on Tuesday morning.

"Dear Lord Stanley Cup, 15 years ago I left Switzerland with a dream: to be drafted by an NHL team. With only a handful of Swiss players ever playing in the best league in the world, for me it seemed more of a hope than a possibility to be the next in line," Weber said.

He went on to end his post by saying, "Even though I can't call myself a champion, you left me with a lifetime of memories and great friendships. Now it's time to head back home and enjoy time with my family. And who knows, we might meet down the road after all."

The Morges, Switzerland native spent 13 years in the NHL with Montreal, Vancouver, Nashville, and Pittsburgh. In 499 regular season games, he tallied 94 points (28 G, 66 A), 195 penalty minutes, and was a -28. In 42 career playoff games, Weber had 6 points (4 G, 2 A), 19 penalty minutes, and was a -4.

Best of luck to Yannick in his return to Switzerland.

Yannick Weber (@yanweber68) has officially announced his retirement following 13 @NHL seasons and 499 regular-season games played with the @CanadiensMTL, @Canucks, @PredsNHL & @Penguins. Congratulations Yannick on an incredible career and welcome to the #NHLAlumni Association. 👏 pic.twitter.com/V7S1jRtRLU— NHL Alumni (@NHLAlumni) July 20, 2021

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