Marchant retires, joins Ducks' front office

Todd Marchant, one of the top defensive forwards of his generation and a shorthanded specialist, announced his retirement Wednesday.

Marchant will join the front office of the Anaheim Ducks, the team he finished his 17-season career with, as Director of Player Development.

"I'd like to personally thank Todd for his invaluable contributions to this organization over the last six years," said Ducks Executive Vice President/General Manager Bob Murray. "His character and presence in our locker room will be missed, but we're extremely grateful that he has agreed to join the front office as Director of Player Development. Congratulations to Todd and his family on a wonderful career."

A seventh-round pick of the Rangers in the 1993 Entry Draft, Marchant finished his career with 186 goals and 498 points for the Rangers, Oilers, Blue Jackets and Ducks in 1,195 regular-season games -- the most of any player from his draft class. He added 13 goals and 34 points in 95 playoff games, winning a Stanley Cup with Anaheim in 2007.

"I want to thank the Rangers, Oilers, Blue Jackets and Ducks organizations, my teammates, the fans, and most importantly, my family, for their great support over the years," Marchant said. "I've had an unbelievable experience playing in the National Hockey League, and it's simply time to move on. I'm excited to stay with the Ducks organization in my new role and look forward to my post-playing career. Staying with the Ducks will provide my family the opportunity to continue living in a great community, one in which we plan to remain actively involved."

Marchant recorded career highs of 20 goals and 60 points with the Oilers during the 2002-03 season, but was probably better known for his work on the other side of the puck, as his next-best total for a season was 40 points. He was a solid checking center and scored 28 shorthanded goals in his career -- seven more than he totaled via the power play.

Marchant also contributed some memorable postseason goals, including a Game 7 tally as the Oilers upset the Stars in a first-round series in 1997 and a triple-overtime score as the Ducks beat the Red Wings in Game 2 of the 2009 Western Conference Semifinals.