Kevin Klein is calling it a career. In a letter posted by the New York Rangers, the defender announced that his time in the NHL had come to an end. He did not have the most spectacular career in the history of hockey, but he was consistent throughout his time in the league and that counts for something. His legacy at his two career stops may have to do more with a transaction than any of his play, though.
Klein and the Nashville Predators
After four years of junior hockey, Klein was drafted with the 37th overall pick in the NHL Entry Draft in 2003 by the Nashville Predators.
He spent the next three years playing for the Milwaukee Admirals in the AHL before making a brief debut during the 2006-07 season. He potted his first career goal against the Chicago Blackhawks on January 26, 2007.
He didn't become a regular player with the team until 2009-10, when he recorded 11 points in 81 games. After seeing some improvement over the next few years, the Predators rewarded Klein with a long-term extension in 2012. He seemed like the kind of player who could spend the bulk of his career with one team. Then, the winds of change swept the NHL and swept the defender away from Tennessee and to a stage with brighter lights and more pressure.
Klein and the New York Rangers
On January 22, 2014 -- less than two years into his extension -- Klein was dealt to the New York Rangers for defenseman Michael Del Zotto.
To this day, Rangers fans are grateful for the deal, if for no other reason than to get Del Zotto off of the team. He never played in more than 69 games during any of his three full seasons with the team, although he did have one of the more memorable moments of his NHL career in New York, when a high stick lopped off part of his ear during a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 9, 2014.
He had it stitched back on, came back during the very same game, and scored the game-winning goal in overtime -- hockey players are tough.
OFFICIAL: #NYR defenseman Kevin Klein announced his retirement from the NHL today.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) July 7, 2017
Kleiner, together we thank and salute you! pic.twitter.com/rk6TbuhK6I
At just 32 years old, Klein is retiring from the NHL at a somewhat young age.
There are rumors that he may want to go play abroad in Europe, which have gone unconfirmed, but he clearly believed he had reached the pinnacle of his career and it was time to pursue other avenues. He has a wife and two sons and wants to spend less time on the road and more time with them, ending the taxing life of an NHL player. Kevin Klein is not going to the Hall of Fame and won't have his jersey retired, but hockey fans should still appreciate his contributions to the game.
