43-year-old Zdeno Chara joined the Boston Bruins in 2006, and has been the team captain ever since.
But now the Slovak is forced to apply for a new club.
"The Boston Bruins have informed me that they plan to move on with their many younger and talented players, and I respect their decision.
Unfortunately, my time as the club's proud captain has come to an end ", he writes on Instagram.
Won the Stanley Cup 2011
While in Boston, Chara was chosen as the league's best defender in 2009. In addition, he led the team to the Stanley Cup title in 2011.
"I am proud that we were able to take back the Stanley Cup trophy to Boston and that I got to celebrate with all of you fans in Boston," writes Chara.
What happens to Chara's career now remains to be seen, but he has previously declared that he wants to continue playing.