Former Flyer Michael Del Zotto Retires

Defenseman Michael Del Zotto, who played three seasons for the Philadelphia Flyers, announced his retirement Wednesday.

Del Zotto, 33, played 13 NHL seasons. He was with the Philadelphia Flyers from 2014-17. He played 167 games with the Flyers, and scored 20 goals and 43 assists (63 points). Del Zotto was a minus-18 in Philly.

He played 736 games in the NHL for Ottawa, Columbus, St. Louis, Anaheim, Vancouver, Nashville and the New York Rangers, scoring 63 goals and 199 assists (262 points).

“Today is a bittersweet day,” Del Zotto posted on Instagram on Wednesday. “I was fortunate enough to play 14 years of professional hockey. The blood, sweat, tears, broken bones, triumph, heartbreak and sacrifice were worth every second. So were the many amazing relationships I made along the way.”

Del Zotto hasn’t played since the 2021-22 season with Ottawa. Del Zotto got his name on the Stanley Cup in 2019 with the Blues. He didn’t play in the playoffs but played more than 41 regular-season games, the Cup requirement of playing half the games. He only played seven games with St. Louis, 23 with Vancouver and 12 with Anaheim.

“This version of myself is ready to take on the next chapter of life full steam ahead,” Del Zotto posted on Instagram. “I am ready to explore the world and be challenged in new ways.

“Most importantly, I am excited for more time with my family and the opportunity to make up for all the quality time I’ve missed.”

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