Chelios to join Red Wings' front office

DETROIT, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- Defenseman Chris Chelios has ended his 26-season NHL playing career but said he will remain in the game as part of the front office of the Detroit Red Wings.

Chelios, 48, last season appeared in seven games for the Atlanta Thrashers, allowing him to tie Gordie Howe for the NHL record for most seasons as a player. Chelios played from 1983-2010.

He previously played for Montreal, Chicago and Detroit, appearing in 1,651 regular-season games and scoring185 goals and amassing 948 points. He also played in 266 playoff games and was part of Stanley Cup-winning teams in 1986, 2002 and 2008.

Chelios played for Detroit form the end of the 1998-99 season through 2009. He will serve as an adviser to hockey operations for the Red Wings.

"I've been fortunate enough to be a part of this game at the highest level for a long time," he said in a release from the Red Wings. "I've met a lot of great people and developed some special relationships along the way.

"The three championship teams I've been lucky enough to be a part of have truly been the highlights of my career.

"I'm excited for this next challenge to begin and I'm also thankful the Wings have extended this opportunity for me to continue to be close to the game."