"I would also like to thank all the fans that I have met throughout my career for the support that you have given me. Most importantly, I want to thank my family for all the sacrifices they have made on behalf of my career. My parents, brothers, and wife Clancey allowed me to focus on the pursuit of playing the best sport in the world, in the best league in the world, and I will always be grateful."
Carle had 45 goals and 238 assists (283 points) and was plus-82 in 730 games with the Predators, Lightning, Flyers and Sharks.
He was the No. 47 pick in the 2003 NHL Draft by San Jose, and in 2006 won the Hobey Baker Award, given to the best player in NCAA Division I men's ice hockey, at the University of Denver.
"The Nashville Predators would like to congratulate defenseman Matt Carle on a successful and decorated hockey career," Predators general manager David Poile said. "In addition to 730 career NHL games and an All-Rookie Team selection in 2007, Matt is one of just four defensemen in the last 32 years to win the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey's top player, was a two-time NCAA champion, a World Junior and World Under-18 champion for the United States, and a World Championship medalist. We would like to thank Matt for his commitment and dedication to the game, and wish [him] and his family the best as they move into the next chapter of their lives."
Carle played 25 Stanley Cup Playoff games for the Lightning in 2015, when they lost the Stanley Cup Final to the Chicago Blackhawks and played in the postseason in 10 of the previous 11 seasons.
