QUEBEC -- Quebec Nordiques veteran Marc Tardif, one of the first NHL stars to defect to the World Hockey Association in the early 1970s, announced his retirement from hockey Monday after 14 professional seasons.
Tardif, left unprotected by the Nordiques for the annual NHL waiver draft, made the announcement moments before the draft to ensure he was not selected by another team.
The 34-year-old left wing said it was 'time' to retire and he hoped to remain in the Quebec region.
The Granby, Quebec, native would be retained by the Nordiques' organization for two years as a 'special ambassador' to work on promotions for the team, Quebec general manager Maurice Filion said.
Tardif and former teammate Rejean Houle were selected one-two overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1969 entry draft and both jumped to the WHA in 1973. Houle retired from the Canadiens this summer.
Tardif scored 194 goals and 207 assists in eight NHL seasons but played his best hockey in the WHA. In 1975-76, Tardif led the WHA with 71 goals and 76 assists. He was twice named the WHA's Most Valuable Player and made the first All-Star team three times.
He dropped to 21 goals and 31 assists last season during a long and much-publicized contract dispute with the Nordiques.
