Defenseman Bouillon retires after 14 NHL seasons

Francis Bouillon, who spent 14 seasons as an NHL defensemen, announced his retirement Friday.

Bouillon, who will turn 40 on Oct. 17, played 11 of his 14 seasons with the Montreal Canadiens. He also played for the Nashville Predators. He spent last season with Ambri-Piotta in Switzerland.

In 1996 Bouillon helped the Granby Predateurs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League won the Memorial Cup; his coach then was current Canadiens coach Michel Therrien.

Never drafted, he signed with the Canadiens on Aug. 16, 1998, and made his NHL debut during the 1999-2000 season. In 776 regular-season games he had 32 goals and 117 points, and had four goals and 11 points in 55 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

Bouillon was the recipient of the Jean Beliveau Award during the 2006-07 season, given by the Canadiens to honor involvement in the community.