Weight retires; will be Isles assistant

Islanders captain Doug Weight tearfully bid farewell to his 19-season NHL career Thursdaybut will remain with the organization as an assistant coach and special assistant to general manager Garth Snow.

The 40-year-old veteran gave an emotional speech in a news conference to officially announce his retirement, thanking friends, fans, teammates and family members who have supported him.

A season-ending back injury ultimately sealed Weight's decision to retire. The Detroit native said he saw "the writing on the wall."

"Saying goodbye and never playing again, it's terrible. It's tough," Weight said. "It's a sickening, sad feeling, but it's also a new chapter to hopefully the greatest chapter of my life."

The dynamic playmaking center amassed 278 goals and 755 assists during a 1,238-game career that featured stints with the Rangers, Oilers, Blues, Hurricanes, Ducks and Islanders. But he was limited to 18 games this past season.

Weight, who spent five games helping behind the bench this season, will join assistant coaches Dean Chynoweth and Scott Allen. He has been designated to work specifically with the power play.

"Just the five games last season I stood on the bench helped me immensely," Weight said. "It's going to be an easy transition for me. I'll be at every game and will feed off their energy. I am not worried about the dynamic at all."

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Ultimately, Weight said he is "leaning" toward a management career and will gain experience by assisting Snow with personnel decisions this coming season.

Recruited to the Islanders as a free agent in the summer of 2008, in part to guide a young, inexperienced team, Weight proved particularly valuable in his mentorship of John Tavares, the No. 1 overall pick in 2009, during his rookie season. He even let Tavares and Matt Moulson live in the family's guest house that 2009-10 season.

That leadership throughout his three-season captaincy -- on and off the ice -- made Snow want to keep him as part of the organization.

"His value to this team's young core has been immeasurable," Snow said.

Team owner Charles Wang joined Weight on the dais at the news conference, thanking him for his time playing with the Islanders and welcoming him in his new role. Weight's family, friends and several teammates also were on hand to show their support, including former Islanders captain Bill Guerin.

Weight, drafted in 1990 by the Rangers, had many notable achievements throughout his career. He was a three-time Olympian and helped Carolina win a Stanley Cup in 2006 after being traded by the Blues.

"As sad as it is," Weight said, "I'm very excited and fulfilled with my career."