On Monday, Feb. 24, forward Scottie Upshall announced his retirement from the NHL. Upshall played for six teams during his 15-year career.
After 15 seasons and a stellar #NHL and international hockey career, @ScottieUpshall has announced his retirement.
Congratulations to Scottie, a great player and a welcome addition to our #TradeCentre coverage!#TSNHockey pic.twitter.com/glF5Y3eWiP
— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) February 24, 2020
Scottie Upshall Announces Retirement
Upshall was selected sixth overall in the 2002 NHL Draft by the Nashville Predators. In his career, he totalled 138 goals and 146 assists for 284 points in 759 games. He played for the Predators, Philadelphia Flyers, Phoenix Coyotes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Florida Panthers and St. Louis Blues.
After totalling 28 points in four years with Nashville, he was traded to the Flyers in 2007. Upshall quickly became a fan favourite during his three years in Philadelphia. He improved his game and scored 27 goals and 37 points for 64 points with the Flyers. In 2009, the Flyers traded Upshall to the Coyotes.
Upshall spent three years with the Coyotes before being traded to the Blue Jackets during the 2011 trade deadline. He finished the season in Columbus then signed a four-year contract with the Florida Panthers.
Upshall was plagued by injuries his first two seasons in Florida but appeared in 192 games during his four years with the Panthers. He totalled 29 goals and 33 assists for 62 points.
Upshall attended the Blues training camp on a professional tryout ahead of the 2015-16 season. The Blues signed him to a one-year deal where he again became a fan-favourite and found a regular role on the Blues checking lines.
After three years in St. Louis, Upshall was signed to the Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars but did not appear in any games before being released by both teams. This year, while rehabbing a knee injury and attempting an NHL comeback, Upshall played overseas for the HC Ambrì-Piotta of the National League (NL) in Switzerland. He went on to win the 2019 Spengler Cup as a member of Team Canada.
Impact On The Game
While Upshall may not have the numbers expected from a sixth overall pick, he made an impact everywhere he went. He was a clubhouse and fan-favourite in most of the cities he played in.
Upshall worked hard to rehab his knee injury and make it back to the NHL but decided he was content calling it a career. For his next step, he will be working in media as he joined TSN’s trade centre coverage shortly after announcing his retirement live on their broadcast.
While playing, Upshall had a large impact on everyone he came in contact with and will be sure to do the same in his post-playing career.
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