3-time Stanley Cup winner Aaron Ward retires

TORONTO (AP) -Three-time Stanley Cup winner Aaron Ward is retiring after more than 13 NHL seasons.

The 37-year-old defenseman became a free agent this summer and had knee surgery for the third time. He says he wasn't going to be ready for the upcoming season.

Ward split last season with Carolina and Anaheim, recording one goal and 12 assists in 77 games.

Ward won Stanley Cups with Detroit in 1997 and 1998 and Carolina in 2006. He also played for Boston and the New York Rangers. He finishes with 44 career goals and 107 assists.

He was originally picked by the Winnipeg Jets in the 1991 draft. He plans to continue his television work as a hockey analyst in the upcoming season.