<h2>Mikkel Boedker's NHL Journey and Retirement</h2> With a distinguished career as the highest NHL draft pick from his native country, Mikkel Boedker, a national pride of Denmark, announces his retirement. The recent 7-1 loss to Finland at the World Championships marks the end of his professional journey on the ice. <q>It will be the last one. It's a funny feeling to have. I've known it for a long time. It actually feels pretty good. I have a lot of great memories to look back on. Now I'm looking forward to getting home to my wife, daughter and family and enjoying them.</q> Boedker confided to the reporters. He adds: <q>It's very special. I have experienced a lot, and I am incredibly proud that I can stand with the lion on my chest in my last match and give back to the development I have received in my career. It is incredibly special, but at the same time it is the right time.</q> <h2>Highlights of Boedker's NHL Career</h2> Mikkel Boedker, at the age of 33, boasts of an illustrious journey in the NHL. Drafted as the 8th overall pick by the Phoenix Coyotes in 2008, he made a swift leap into the professional leagues. His time in Arizona saw him clock his best season in 2014-15 with an impressive 51 points, comprising of 19 goals and 32 assists. However, in 2016, Boedker was traded to Colorado at the season's deadline, only to depart as a free agent at the conclusion of the season. He subsequently inked a four-year, $16 million contract with San Jose, though his performance failed to match the hefty expectations that came with such a deal. In the 2018 draft, Boedker was traded to Ottawa where he stayed for two seasons before heading back to Europe, continuing his professional play until the close of the 2022-23 season. <h2>Boedker's Career Earnings</h2> As per CapFriendly, over the span of his 12-year professional journey, Boedker accumulated a substantial earning of just over $28 million. His NHL career stats chalk up 118 goals, 209 assists, and 327 points across 709 games. The next chapter for him holds the promise of more time with his family, marking a heartfelt conclusion to an unforgettable career. As Read on MarkerZone - <a href='https://www.markerzone.com/news/Former,%20First,%20Round,%20Pick,%20Announces,%20Retirement' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Former First-Round Pick Announces Retirement</a>