Martin 'Mach 9' Havlat retires from NHL at 35

Feb. 9 (UPI) -- Journeyman winger Martin Havlat has officially retired from the National Hockey League.

The 35-year-old was a two-time all-star, wearing sweaters for the Ottawa Senators, Chicago Blackhawks, Minnesota Wild, San Jose Sharks, New Jersey Devils, and St. Louis Blues.

Havlat signed with the Blues in 2015 as a free agent, but did not play this season. He left the Blues in November of that year for personal reasons and was placed on unconditional waivers.

In August, Havlat's agent Allen Walsh tweeted that his client started skating and training with HC Kometa Brno and intended to come back to the NHL.

"That was fast," Havlat said in a statement released by the NHL Players' Association. "I feel like I was just getting started in the NHL a short while ago. I would love to continue playing but my body will not allow me to play at the level I expect from myself. As a result, I am announcing my retirement."

'Mach 9' had 954 points, including 242 goals and 352 assists, in 790 games during his 14-year tenure. He was involved in 75 Stanley Cup Playoff games, but never hoisted the trophy.

"I feel very fortunate to have played in the NHL for 14 years," Havlat said in the release. "Rest assured, I am retiring as a grateful man. I will be forever thankful to the Ottawa Senators for helping make my childhood dream come true. I also had the privilege of playing for other exceptional organizations. I am grateful for the time spent with each team and the great teammates I had the pleasure to be around on and off the ice."

Havlat twice played for the Czech Republic in the Olympics, at the World Cup of Hockey, and in the 2000 IIHF World Junior Championship.