Selected No. 1 by the Lightning in the 1998 draft, Lecavalier had 421 goals and 528 assists in 1,212 regular-season games, and 26 goals and 30 assists in 75 playoff games. He won a gold medal representing Canada at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey, and also played for his country at the 2006 Torino Olympics.
"I want to take this opportunity to thank the people who have helped me along the way and shared this journey with me," Lecavalier said. "First and foremost, I would like to thank my parents, my wife, Caroline, my brother Philippe, sister Genevieve and my entire family. I could not have accomplished anything without your love and support.
"Thank you to the Tampa Bay Lightning for drafting me and providing me the opportunity to embark on my NHL career. I will never forget winning the Cup together in 2004, and the incredible support from Lightning fans. To the L.A. Kings, thank you for providing me the opportunity to finish my career on a positive note. To the coaches who have developed me and challenged me -- you made me a better player and person. To my agent, Kent Hughes, thank you for all your efforts and support throughout my career.
"Hockey is the greatest team sport in the world. There is nothing like sharing a locker room with your teammates and competing together day in and day out. I have made lifelong friends and I'd like to thank them for making this an unforgettable journey. Thank you."