Calgary Flames defenseman Michael Stone announced his retirement Wednesday.

The Flames noted Stone will remain with the team as part of their player development staff.

"I feel very happy to be able to leave the game the way I have and directly into this role with the Flames organization," Stone said in a statement. "I believe it would have been a lot more difficult had this opportunity not been available."

"I'm excited to learn and gain some new experiences in a different capacity in the NHL," he continued. "I'm looking forward to working with the young defencemen and help them achieve their ultimate goal of playing with the Calgary Flames."

Stone, 33, played 552 games across stints with the Flames and Arizona Coyotes. He accrued 41 goals and 145 points over his 12-season career.

His best year came in 2015-16 when he tallied six goals and 36 points in 75 contests with the Coyotes.

"The combination of Michael just finishing his NHL playing career and that his specialty is defensemen specific was exactly the role that we have been trying to fill," Flames director of player development Ray Edwards said. "After drafting Etienne (Morin) and Axel (Hurtig), that's a good area for Mike to jump into immediately and assisting with our Wranglers defensemen prospects. It's a perfect fit."

Arizona drafted Stone 69th overall in 2008. He's the older brother of Vegas Golden Knights star Mark Stone.

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