Washington, DC (My Sportsbook) - The Washington Capitals announced Tuesday that former star forward Mike Gartner's number will be retired by the club this season.

The ceremony is planned for December 28, when the Caps host the Toronto Maple Leafs.

"Capitals fans have fond memories of Mike Gartner flying down the right wing and scoring goals at the Capital Centre," said Caps chairman and majority owner Ted Leonsis. "This is a fitting tribute to one of the elite offensive players in the history of the game, who was a crucial member of the first Capitals playoff teams."

Gartner was the fourth overall pick in the 1979 NHL draft, and began his career in the 1979-80 season with the Capitals after one year with the Cincinnati Stingers of the World Hockey Association.

In nearly 10 full seasons with the team, Gartner racked up 397 goals (including 13 hat tricks) and 789 points over 758 games. The Ottawa native held club records in goals, hat tricks and points until Peter Bondra surpassed all three in recent years.

Gartner left the nation's capital in a March 1989 deal with the Minnesota North Stars with defenseman Larry Murphy for forward Dino Ciccarelli and defenseman Bob Rouse.

He continued to hit the net at a steady pace, recording 15 consecutive 30-goal seasons from the start of his career until the lockout-shortened 1995 campaign.

Gartner left the game following the 1997-98 season, and is currently one of only six players to record 700 or more total scores. Over 1,432 games in 19 seasons, he compiled 708 goals and 1,335 points with the Capitals, North Stars, Rangers, Maple Leafs and Coyotes.

The 48-year-old was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2001.

Since the franchise's 1974 inception, only three jerseys have been retired: Hall of Fame defenseman Rod Langway (1982-93); renowned pest Dale Hunter (1987-99) and Yvon Labre (1974-81).

"It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by the Washington Capitals," said Gartner. "I look forward to the upcoming evening in December and sharing these fond memories with my family and those fans in attendance."