NHL Blue Jackets' Kevin Dineen ends career

The 39-year-old Quebec City native will work in the Blue Jackets' front office.
COLUMBUS (AP) -- Kevin Dineen of the Columbus Blue Jackets retired Tuesday, less than a month into his 19th NHL season.
The tough forward had 355 goals, 405 assists and 2,229 penalty minutes in 1,188 games for Hartford, Philadelphia, Carolina, Ottawa and Columbus. He's one of eight NHL players to record 300 goals and 2,000 penalty minutes.
"I coached Kevin when he was 19 and you could see then his enthusiasm and absolute love for the game. Coaching him again at 39, he hadn't changed a bit," Blue Jackets coach Dave King said.
"Those are the qualities Kevin exhibited throughout his career. He had those intangibles in that he played so hard every night with great intensity and a love of the game. Those are things that not every player has and are part of what made him special."
Dineen, a 39-year-old Quebec City native, will work in the Blue Jackets' front office.
Adjustment
"Change is always a little scary, especially when you've used your body for so long and now have to use your brain, but I look forward to the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead," Dineen said.
Dineen's finest seasons came in the late 1980s with the Hartford Whalers. He averaged 71 points over five years, including a career-best 45 goals and 44 assists in 1988-89.
He was a third-round pick in the 1982 entry draft by the Whalers.
Dineen was selected by the Blue Jackets in the 2000 expansion draft and quickly became a fan favorite because of his aggressive play and hustle.
"Kevin Dineen has played the game of hockey with tremendous passion, determination and courage throughout his career," said Blue Jackets president and general manager Doug MacLean.
"He has provided valuable leadership and been a consummate professional on our hockey club. I'm proud that he will remain a member of the Blue Jackets organization."
Dineen had 13 goals and 15 assists in slightly more than two seasons with the team. He was scoreless in four games this season, but played gritty hockey down to his final shift.
When the Blue Jackets rallied from two goals down to defeat Buffalo 3-2 on Sunday night, Dineen was selected as the No. 1 star even though he didn't score.
"Being able go out on my own terms, winning in front of our home fans in Columbus and playing with old buddies is truly satisfying," Dineen said.