Forward Brian Gionta has announced his retirement from the NHL after 16 seasons.

Gionta, 39, is a former Canadiens and Sabres captain and two-time U.S. Olympian. He won a Stanley Cup with the Devils in 2003.

"Playing with my childhood team the Sabres was a highlight of my career," the western New York native said at a news conference Monday.

With his playing career over, Gionta said he's taking a role within the Sabres organization.