** FILE ** Carolina Hurricanes Ron Francis reacts to scoring during the third period of a second-round playoff game against the Montreal Canadiens, Friday, May 3, 2002, in Raleigh, N.C. Francis, one of the NHL's career leaders in games played, goals, assists and points, announced his retirement Wednesday, ending his 23-year career. The four-time all-star who played for Hartford, Pittsburgh, Carolina and Toronto ranked among the league's all-time leaders with 1,731 games (third), 549 goals (19th), 1,249assists (second) and 1,798 points (fourth). (AP Photo/Grant Halverson)