Veteran star scorer Brett Hull decides to retire from Phoenix Coyotes

GLENDALE, Ariz. (CP) - Phoenix Coyotes sniper Brett Hull will announce his retirement Saturday.

Hull is to make the announcement at a 8 p.m. ET news conference. Hull, 41, is third on the NHL's all-time list with 741 goals. He has one assist in five games this season with Phoenix.

"While we respect the decision Brett has made today, we regret seeing him go," Coyotes GM Mike Barnett told the Canadian Press in a telephone interview.

Hull decided he could not perform the way he wanted this season. Hull first broached the retirement subject with Gretzky and Barnett after Thursday night's 5-4 shootout loss to the Nashville Predators.

Gretzky and Barnett told Hull to take a day or two to mull it over before making a final decision. Hull met with Barnett and Gretzky on Saturday morning and told them he was indeed going to retire.

"Being in the presence of legends like Brett Hull and (coach) Wayne Gretzky most assuredly will benefit each and every player in our organization," Barnett said.

Hull was slated to earn $1.69 million US this season.

The Coyotes will likely get some salary cap relief with his retirement. If Hull signs a Voluntarily Retired List league form - which means he can't return to the NHL for a year - then his salary, minus his the first paycheque which arrived Friday, [b]is wiped off the books for Phoenix. A source indicated he would sign the form.

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