Chris Osgood ended the speculation, and his career, on Tuesday when he announced his retirement instead of his return to the Red Wings for another season.

“After a lot of thought I have decided to retire,” Osgood announced. “I thought it was the best decision to make for the organization and myself. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I thought it would’ve been easier.”

Red Wings GM Ken Holland had said he was interested in talking to Osgood about returning for another year to back up starting goaltender Jimmy Howard. Clearly that won’t be happening now.

Osgood finished out his career where it began, in Hockeytown. He spent 14 of his 17 NHL seasons playing for the Wings, winning three Stanley Cups in that time. He ends up fourth all-time with 15 postseason shutouts, eighth all-time with 74 playoff wins and 10th all-time with 401 regular-season wins.

Let the Hall of Fame debate begin.

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