Shanahan leaves the New Jersey Devils

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NEWARK, N.J., Oct. 1 (UPI) -- Veteran left wing Brendan Shanahan left the NHL's New Jersey Devils Thursday due to his lack of production and diminished role on the team.

The 21-year veteran, an eight-time All-Star and three-time Stanley Cup winner with the Detroit Red Wings in 1997, '98 and 2002, said the emergence of younger players in the pre-season -- Niclas Bergfors, Matt Halischuk and Ilkka Pikkarainen – factored in his decision the day the NHL's 2009-10 season was set to begin.

"When I signed this past summer, (general manager) Lou Lamoriello, (coach) Jacques Lemaire, and I agreed that if we were unable to find a suitable fit in which I would be able to compete and contribute, I would simply step aside," Shanahan said in a statement.

He has not said that he is retiring.

Shanahan ranks 11th all-time in goals (656) and 23rd all-time in points (1,354) in 1,524 career games.