Toronto, ON -- Former Maple Leaf and Panther defenseman Robert Svehla retired from the NHL on Thursday.

Svehla played in the NHL for nine years, mostly with Florida. Svehla spent seven-plus seasons with the Panthers.

The 34-year-old blueliner played the 2002-03 campaign with Toronto and recorded seven goals and 38 assists in 82 games for 45 points. He has 68 goals and 267 assists for his career.

Svehla finished as Florida's leader in games played (573) and assists (229). He holds every record for a defensemen, including goals (61) and points (290).

Earlier this summer, the Leafs exercised a $4 million option on his contract for the coming season. Svehla ended a 35-day retirement last summer and agreed to a contract with Toronto, which then acquired his rights in a deal with Florida.

Svehla, who didn't sign his retirement papers last summer, is now ineligible to play this season unless all 30 teams agree to let him back. Svehla had considered signing with a club in December, but decided not to.