In a letter penned by Daniel and Henrik Sedin on NHL.com, the pair announced that they would retire at the end of the Vancouver Canucks’ season. With the team eliminated from contention in the 2017-18 postseason, the Sedins will step down following their final game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on April 7, 2018.

The Sedins have played for the Vancouver Canucks for 18 seasons. In that time, they have each played over 1300 games, and hold the record for highest and second-highest goals scored for the franchise. With the Canucks, the Sedins have won seven division titles, and advanced to the 2011 Stanley Cup final, though they ultimately fell to the Boston Bruins in seven games.

"We started the year with the mindset that a decision would be made in the postseason. But it became clear, after discussions with our families throughout the year, that this will be our last season…" https://t.co/hOhtj2kTLM

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) April 2, 2018

Daniel and Henrik Sedin were drafted second and third overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 1999 NHL Draft. They have played their entire NHL careers with the team.

Per their letter, the Sedins intend to remain a part of the Canucks community in some capacity following their retirement. What form that will take has not been announced at this time.

“Being part of the Canucks family for 18 seasons has been the best period of our lives. But it’s time to focus on our families and life after hockey,” the pair wrote of their decision to retire. “It’s time to help with homework every night. It’s time to be at every birthday party and to stand in the cold at every hockey rink, soccer game and riding lesson on weekends. It’s time to be at home for dinner every night.”

As for the Canucks’ future prospects, the Sedins emphasized that the team would be in great hands moving forward into the future.

“It’s time to let the next generation of young players lead the Canucks,” they said. “Travis is building a strong culture and emphasizes a style of play we know will be successful. The team is in great hands, with people who care about its success and it’s headed in the right direction. We know there is a bright future for the Canucks.”

The Sedins’ retirement marks the end of an incredible era of NHL hockey for the brothers. We wish them all the best for whatever comes next in their careers.

Headline photo: Jeff Vinnick