Dog days of summer

NHL teams

Slava Fetisov retired at the age of 40 after a long and successful career spanning two decades and continents. Fetisov started with the Central Red Army team in the Soviet Union and later became the first top Soviet player permitted to leave Russia and come to the NHL and the New Jersey Devils in 1989.

He was later traded to the Detroit Red Wings and was an essential part of their success. Now he returns to New Jersey as an assistant coach.

"I've done everything as a hockey player and this was a tough decision for me to make," said Fetisov, "They said I would be a good teacher. I have lots of experience in hockey and I would like to become coach one day. This is a great opportunity for me. I want to help the team, I hate to lose and I want to do a good job."

Veteran goalie Kelly Hrudey, who spent the last couple of seasons with the San Jose Sharks, announced his retirement after 15 years in the NHL.

Hrudey started his career with the Islanders spending six seasons in New York. He was traded to the Los Angeles Kings late in the 1988-89 season, and helped the team to the Stanley Cup finals in 1993.

"I have no feelings of sadness," Hrudey said. "I just cannot believe the opportunity I've had."

Kevin Lowe is also calling it quits after more than 1000 games and five Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers. He will stay with the organization as an assistant coach.