Former Lightning defenseman Matt Carle retires after 12-year career

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Veteran defenseman Matt Carle is retiring after playing for four different NHL teams, most recently the Nashville Predators.

The 32-year-old Carle announced his retirement Friday in a news release sent by the Predators. Carle played six games for Nashville this season and had one assist.

He previously played for the San Jose Sharks (2007-08), Tampa Bay Lightning (2008-09 and 2012-16) and Philadelphia Flyers (2009-12). He had 45 career goals and 238 assists in 730 regular-season games.

Carle said in a statement that "it has been an honor to be a player in the National Hockey League and to play for four great organizations over the past 12 seasons."