TAMPA BAY, Fla. -- Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Kevin Hodson announced his retirement Thursday, citing a family situation that kept him from returning to the minor leagues.

The announcement came three days after the Lightning acquired goaltender John Grahame from the Boston Bruins. With Grahame serving as Nikolai Khabibulin's backup, Hodson was a healthy scratch in Tuesday's 7-0 loss at Ottawa.

After coaching two seasons in the Ontario Hockey League, Hodson resumed his playing career by signing with the Lightning in May. He appeared in seven games, going 0-3-1 with a 2.54 goals-against average and .881 save percentage.

"When we entered into a contract with Kevin this summer, we recognized the possibility that he would not want to return to the minors due to his family situation," general manager Jay Feaster said.

Feaster added he would like to keep Hodson with the organization to help with its goaltending prospects. The sides will take the rest of the NHL season to determine whether a long-term relationship makes sense.

"Thus, while we regret that he will not be staying in the system as the third goaltender, we are extremely pleased he will continue to be a part of our hockey club," Feaster said.

Hodson appeared in just 64 games during his NHL career, going 17-18-10. He began his career with the Detroit Red Wings and played parts of four seasons for them, winning a Stanley Cup as a backup in 1998.

Hodson was acquired by Tampa Bay in March 1999 and played 29 games over three seasons with the Lightning, going 4-8-5 with a 3.46 GAA.