Veteran Ottawa Senators forward Chris Neil announces retirement

OTTAWA -- Longtime Ottawa Senators forward Chris Neil is announcing his retirement.

He spent 15 seasons with the NHL team, recording 250 points (112 goals, 138 assists) in 1,026 regular-season games.

The 38-year-old winger and the Senators had parted ways last spring as Neil's role was reduced under coach Guy Boucher.

He hasn't played since the second round of last spring's playoffs.

While he received some contract offers in the fall, Neil decided there wasn't a good fit and decided to take the season off.

He will play in Friday's alumni game marking the Hertiage Classic outdoor game.

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  Ottawa Senators NHL hockey team forward Chris Neil officially announces his retirement during a press conference in Ottawa on Thursday, December 14, 2017 . THE CANADIAN PRESS/Fred Chartrand

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  Ottawa Senators' Chris Neil gestures at a practice at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa on Wednesday, May 8, 2013. The Senators lead their playoff series 3-1 against the Montreal Canadiens. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

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  Montreal Canadiens' Brandon Proust (8)lands a punch on Ottawa Senators' Chris Neil (25) during first period NHL hockey action in Ottawa Wednesday January 30, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Fred Chartrand