from Mark Falkner of the Detroit News,

In typical Mark Howe fashion, his recent retirement announcement was almost an afterthought and done as quietly and under the radar as the way the 66-year-old former defenseman with the Detroit Red Wings conducted himself during a 48-year career in professional hockey.

This past summer, Howe walked into Steve Yzerman's office and told the Red Wings' general manager that he was stepping down as the team's director of pro scouting after 16 seasons.

"I think Stevie was set back a little bit when I told him," Howe said. "Then I brought up the same thing to him that I used to ask my dad about retirement. I said, 'Steve, you were a player. Why did you retire?' And, in his words to me, he said, 'I get it.'"

Howe's last day on the job was June 30, 2021. And with that, the son of Red Wings legend Gordie Howe ended his own Hockey Hall of Fame career without much fanfare or even a press release. Just a handshake and recognition of a job well done.

"I can remember asking dad, 'How do you know when it's time to retire?'" Howe said. "His answer would always be, 'Well, you'll know.' I would say, 'Dad, that's a stupid answer and you're not helping me one iota.' He said, 'Don't worry. You'll know.'

continued (paid)