Former 1st-Rounder, Cup Champ Officially Retires

He played 13 seasons in the National Hockey League, and yes, even got to lift the Stanley Cup as a member of the St. Louis Blues in 2019. Now, Michael Del Zotto has officially announced his retirement from hockey, at the age of 33.

Congrats to Michael Del Zotto on a terrific #NHL career. Selected 20th in the 2008 draft, arguably the greatest draft class for defenseman ever. #MDZ pic.twitter.com/QcYoWHuOtt

— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) September 6, 2023

Del Zotto suited up for eight teams in his career after being selected with the 20th overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Rangers. The left-shot defenseman last played in the league in the 2021-22 season, with the Ottawa Senators, registering 13 points in 26 games. 

In his career, he tallied 63 goals and 262 points, across 736 games.

In his first season with the Rangers, he was named to the All-Rookie Team after notching 37 points in 80 games for the Blueshirts. He would top that two years later with 41 points. But by his 5th season in Manhattan, Del Zotto had dropped to bottom-pairing duties, and was dealt to the Nashville Predators. 

But perhaps the highlight of his career came while watching from the sidelines, as his Blues won the Stanley Cup in '19, even though he only played seven regular season games with them, and none in the playoffs. He'll always remember his day with the Cup that summer.  

Congrats on a fine career to MDZ.

Photo: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports