Frans Nielsen Officially Retires from Hockey

After a career that spanned 15 NHL seasons, nine World Championships and an Olympic appearance, Frans Nielsen has officially retired following Denmark's elimination at the World Championship.

After a career that spanned 15 NHL seasons, nine World Championships and an Olympic appearance, Frans Nielsen has officially retired following Denmark's elimination at the World Championship.

Denmark was eliminated from quarterfinal contention after losing to Slovakia 6-1 on the final day of round-robin play.

Drafted 87th overall by the New York Islanders in 2002, the 38-year-old forward went on to play 10 years with the Islanders and five years with Detroit. Nielsen had 167 goals and 473 points in 925 games, highlighted by a 58-point season in 2013-14.

Nielsen finished his pro career with Eisbaren Berlin in the DEL, winning the league championship.

Nielsen finishes his career as the all-time games played and points leader among Danish NHLers. His 26 points at the World Championship are sixth all-time among Danish players.