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The numbers tell a story of one of the most effective power forwards of his era, but really, they only tell the beginning of the story.

When Brendan Shanahan made his retirement official Tuesday, he went into the NHL history books No. 11 in all-time goals (656) and No. 23 in all-time points (1,354) – credentials usually associated with a first ballot Hall Of Fame player.

— Eric Duhatschek, The Globe and Mail

"While I always dreamed of playing in the NHL, I can't honestly say that I would have ever imagined that I'd be this fortunate and blessed. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has helped me fulfill this dream."

— Brendan Shanahan

There goes yet another player that makes you feel like its the end of an era, even if he never won the scoring race or a playoff MVP.

Heck, Shanny has won but one NHL trophy, the King Clancy six years ago, but that doesn't make a whit of difference in how big of an icon he became in the game — right up there with Brett Hull, Steve Yzerman and a whole bunch of other guys that played on those stacked Red Wings teams.

And if you ever find yourself in Mimico, Ontario, they whisper his name there like he's the holy one himself.

Even though he's left the ice, I'm sure we'll see plenty of Shanahan in NHL circles for years to come.