Haley, Butler announce retirement plans

The 35-year old Haley appeared in 27 games for Utica last season, while Butler went unsigned after a year away from the game.

Michael Haley announced his retirement from BEARD Hockey on Tuesday, bringing a 15-year professional career to a close after appearing in 27 games for the AHL's Utica Comets this past season.

The retirement is of course pending the use of a retirement save, which Canucks GM Aaron Sanderson may use next month to retain Haley's services for one additional season.

Haley was signed to a one-year deal before the 2020-21 season by Vancouver to provide veteran leadership and stability to the farm club in Utica. He played in 27 games, earning 4 goals and 10 assists while accumulating 52 penalty minutes in his final season.

"I'm very appreciative to Vancouver and Utica both for giving me a great experience this past year," said Haley. "I carved out a nice career for myself but it's time to move on, and I'm looking forward to what the future might bring."

Bobby Butler also announced his retirement from BEARD Hockey. A veteran of 130 NHL games, 357 AHL games, and 99 professional games overseas, Butler was unsigned throughout the 2020-21 BEARD Hockey campaign and retired 'in real life', triggering the retirement in this league.