Yandle retires from NHL, holds consecutive games played record at 989

Keith Yandle, who set the NHL record for consecutive games played last season, announced his retirement Tuesday after 16 seasons.

“The last year it’s one of those things I’ve been thinking about,” Yandle said on the “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast. “When that’s all you know in your life, to call it quits on it, to call it an end, it’s nerve wracking. You’re worried about what you’re going to do. Especially this time of the year, you’re ramping up for training camp.

“The last couple weeks I’ve been at ease with it. Really enjoyed spending time with the family. …. I think for me I’m really at ease with it and looking forward to the next chapter.”

The 36-year-old defenseman had 19 points (one goal, 18 assists) in 77 games with the Philadelphia Flyers last season.

Yandle said he spoke to a number of his former teammates for advice on making his decision, among them Rick Nash, Shane Doan and Roberto Luongo.

“Seems like guys nowadays are really at ease with it,” Yandle said. “We’ve been lucky enough to make enough money that we’re not too worried about it that much. I think … the mental aspect of it. Finding your way in life and what you’re going to do. For me it’s focusing on the next chapter, being a good family guy. I think the majority of things guys have told me is once you know, your body tells you it’s time to shut it down, the time has come. For me this summer I had no interest in working out. This is it, it’s not worth fighting for, trying to grind it out another year. I’m more at ease.”

Yandle played his record 965th consecutive game at the New York Islanders on Jan. 25. Doug Jarvis had held the record of 964 straight.

“It’s a love for the game and having fun,” Yandle said then. “At the end of the day, we’re playing a game that we all dreamt of playing growing up.”

His streak reached 989 games. It ended when he was scratched against the Toronto Maple Leafs on April 2.

“My only hope is that he just recognizes how amazing it is what he’s done,” Flyers coach Mike Yeo said that day. “For sure, for him it’s disappointing no question. But not many can say they’ve done something that nobody in the history of the NHL has ever done. And so in no way does this diminish what he’s accomplished. It is remarkable and certainly something to be extremely proud of.”

Vegas Golden Knights forward Phil Kessel is second to Yandle with 982 consecutive games played.

Selected by the Phoenix Coyotes in the fourth round (No. 105) of the 2005 NHL Draft, Yandle had 619 points (103 goals, 516 assists) in 1,109 games with the Flyers, Coyotes, New York Rangers and Florida Panthers. He also scored 36 points (six goals, 30 assists) in 58 Stanley Cup Playoff games. 

He had signed a one-year, $900,000 contract with the Flyers on July 28, 2021, two weeks after the Panthers bought out the final two seasons of his seven-year contract.

Yandle scored at least 10 goals in a season four times and skated in the NHL All-Star Game three times (2011, 2012, 2019). As much as he accomplished on the ice, numerous teammates cited Yandle for his energy, work ethic and what he brought to the dressing room.

“He’s one of the teammates you remember forever,” Flyers forward Joel Farabee said. “I don’t think there’s enough good things to say about him. … He’s the most down to earth, nice guy that loves the game so much. 

“Having the honor to play one season with him is something I’ll remember. He’s one the best ever to do it and I wish him well with whatever happens in his post-career life.”

Added Kevin Hayes, who played with Yandle in New York and Philadelphia: “He’s one of my favorite teammates that I’ve ever played with. He’s a grounded human who understands what hard work is and he’s just a consistent human on and off the ice. You know exactly what you’re going to get from him.”

Also on Tuesday, Zdeno Chara, 45, announced he will sign a one-day contract with the Boston Bruins and retire after 24 seasons and P.K. Subban retired after 13 NHL seasons.