Rangers alumnus Yannick Weber announces retirement from NHL

Former Kitchener Rangers defenceman Yannick Weber announced his retirement from the National Hockey League after 13 seasons. He’ll continue to play in his native Switzerland where he recently signed a three-year deal with the ZSC Lions.

The 32-year-old originally from Bern, Switzerland was a rock on the Kitchener blue line from 2006-08, scoring 33 goals over two seasons after being selected 15th overall in the 2006 CHL Import Draft. Known for his heavy shot, Weber had a hand in running Kitchener’s power play and helped the Rangers win an OHL championship in 2008, recording 17 points (4-13–17) in 17 playoff games.

Yannick Weber (@yanweber68) has officially announced his retirement following 13 @NHL seasons and 499 regular-season games played with the @CanadiensMTL, @Canucks, @PredsNHL & @Penguins. Congratulations Yannick on an incredible career and welcome to the #NHLAlumni Association. ???? pic.twitter.com/V7S1jRtRLU

— NHL Alumni (@NHLAlumni) July 20, 2021

Weber went on to be drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the third round of the 2007 NHL Draft and compiled 94 points (28-66–94) over 499 career regular season contests between the Canadiens, Vancouver, Nashville and Pittsburgh. He helped the Predators come within two wins of a Stanley Cup title in 2017 before falling to Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Weber played for Switzerland at the IIHF World Junior Championship three times (2006-08), the IIHF World Championship four times (2009, 2014, 2016, 2019), and the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and 2014 Sochi Olympics.

For more on the career of Yannick Weber, visit NHL.com.