NHL notes: Mathieu Darche retires via Twitter By QMI Agency

Mathieu Darche celebrates a goal against the Lightning during a pre-season game at the Colisee in Quebec City, Que., Oct. 1, 2011. (MATHIEU BELANGER/Reuters)

MONTREAL - There was no farewell for Montreal Canadiens winger Mathieu Darche.

No recognition in front of home fans.

No, the 26-year-old from St. Laurent, Que., left the game on Tuesday in an even more public way, announcing his retirement via Twitter.

“Time to make it official! Moving on to second career,” Darche wrote.

Darche, who also skated with the Columbus Blue Jackets, San Jose Sharks, and Tampa Bay Lightning during his 12-year career, had been training with the New Jersey Devils for the last month, but was informed before the weekend he wouldn’t be offered a deal.

Darche was a prominent member of the NHL Players’ Associations this past offseason despite not being under contract ahead of the 2012-13 season.

NFL-LIKE REPLAYS IN THE NHL?

Nashville Predators head coach Barry Trotz blew a gasket in Denver Monday night after a blown call led to his side losing 6-5 to the Colorado Avalanche.

An incident that has revived conversations concerning coaches’ challenges in the NHL, Avs centre Matt Duchene, who replays shows was a full two metres offside, skated in unopposed to put the home side up 3-1 early in the second period.

The missed call was so egregious just about everyone on the ice stopped except for Duchene.

“I think it would be a great element to have in this game,” Preds’ goalie Chris Mason said of coaches having the option to challenge a perceived missed call.

“We have the video as they do in football,” he told Sportsnet. “The reality is that people make mistakes.”

According to the Tennessean, the NHL later acknowledged Duchene was indeed offside.

“I can accept mistakes, but it’s tough when it’s that blatant,” Mason continued. “It’s not like it was a close call or could’ve gone either way. He was like eight feet offsides.”

BRIEFLY: Colorado Avalanche forward Gabe Landeskog is back in practice after missing more than a month with a concussion. The Denver Post reported Tuesday that while last year’s Calder Trophy winner won’t play against the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday, his return is imminent … Phoenix Coyotes centre Matthew Lombardi is expected to return to the ice this weekend from a shoulder injury suffered four weeks ago, according to the Arizona Republic … The Nashville Predators have acquired defenceman Scott Ford from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for forward Jani Lajunen.