New Jersey Devils goalkeeper Corey Crawford, after taking an indefinite leave of absence from the team on Friday for personal reasons, announced his retirement on Saturday.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have had a long career playing professional hockey to make a living. I wanted to continue my career, but I think I’ve given everything I can to the game of hockey and I’ve decided it’s time to retire.” , Crawford said in a statement issued Saturday. “I would like to thank the New Jersey Devils organization for understanding and supporting my decision.
“I would like to thank the Chicago Blackhawks organization for giving me the opportunity to live my childhood dream. I am proud to have been a part of winning two Stanley Cups in Chicago. Thank you to all my teammates. “Team and coaches over the years. Also, thanks to the fans who make this great game what it is. I’m happy and excited to move on to the next chapter of my life with my family.”
Crawford, 36, who signed a two-year deal with the Devils this past low season for an average annual value of $ 3.9 million, had not practiced since the training camp opened last week. His absences were first described as “maintenance days” by coach Lindy Ruff, before the team said it took personal days on Wednesday and Thursday.
He had been the Blackhawks ’starting goalkeeper since 2010-11, and helped them to two Stanley Cup championships, but the team decided not to sign him again this offseason.
Crawford finished his Blackhawks career ranked third in franchise history with 260 wins in the race, following only Tony Esposito and Glenn Hall. Crawford is the leader of the Blackhawks franchise in postseason wins (52) and is the only goalkeeper in the history of the Stanley multiple cup team.
“Corey has an unforgettable place within our organization, in the hearts of our fans and in Chicago’s sports history,” the Blackhawks said in a statement. “We congratulate Corey on his professional career as a Hall of Fame dignitary, which we celebrate today with him as a member of the Blackhawks family forever.” Crow “is not only one of the best goalkeepers in the history of the pillar franchise of our local community throughout his entire career.”
The Devils have 24-year-old goalie Mackenzie Blackwood, who re-signed a three-year, $ 8.4 million contract before the training camp. They also have three more goalkeepers on their camp list: Scott Wedgewood (24 NHL games), Gilles Senn (two games) and Evan Cormier, who has not played any NHL games.