"Flames' Dan Girardi Announces Retirement After 14-Year NHL Career" Veteran defenseman Dan Girardi has decided to hang up his skates, bringing an end to a 14-year NHL career that saw him play for the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers, among others. Girardi, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, leaves behind a legacy of toughness and dedication on the ice. With over 800 games under his belt, the 38-year-old defenseman will be remembered for his shutdown abilities and ability to shut down opposing teams' top lines. As the NHL continues to evolve, Girardi's retirement marks the end of an era for a player who has been a mainstay in the league for nearly two decades.