The 36-year-old goalkeeper, who won the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2013 and 2015, had taken indefinite leave on Friday for personal reasons from the New Jersey Devils after losing five consecutive workouts during training camp.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have had a long career playing professional hockey to make a living,” Crawford said. “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. I want to thank the New Jersey Devils organization for their understanding and support. decision I would like to thank the Chicago Blackhawks organization for giving me the opportunity to live my childhood dream. “
Crawford agreed to a two-year, $ 7.8 million contract with the Devils on Oct. 11 after spending 13 seasons with the Blackhawks between 2005 and 2020. He was 260-162-53 with an average of goals against 2.45, a savings percentage of 918 and 26 stops in 488 regular-season games, and he ranked third on Chicago’s all-time winning list.
He reached 52-42 with a savings percentage of 2.38 GAA, 0.918 and five stops in 96 Stanley Cup games. Crawford’s 52 playoff wins are a Blackhawks record.
“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 her career as a Hall of Fame worthy player, which we celebrate today with her as a member of the Blackhawks family forever.
“‘Crow’ is not only one of the best goalkeepers in the history of the Chicago Blackhawks franchise, but he was also a mainstay of our local community throughout his career. … he thrilled a generation of Blackhawks fans over the past decade and brought to the city of Chicago, two Stanley Cups.We wish him, his wife Kristy and their children, Cooper and Camden, nothing more than the best in this upcoming chapter “.
Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane, who played with Crawford for 13 seasons, said Crawford’s contributions went far beyond stopping playing.
“He was an amazing player and obviously a big part of our championships here, a big part of the organization for the last 10-15 years,” Kane said Saturday. “He’s a fantastic guy, he always seemed in a good mood, he always competed in practice. He helped me improve only in practice. Viouslybviament, I still feel like he’s playing at a very high level, which goes back to last year. I guess that we will only wish him the best.Obviously we will talk and talk to him, but sometimes there are bigger things than hockey and we wish him all the best in the future.
“He always had the attitude of wanting to win another championship and he felt he could do it here. You always appreciated his confidence level and he wanted to play. He was a player, you know? Let’s talk about his uniform keel behavior., but he stood up for these great games and also shone in these great games. “
Crawford, who lost 80 games in the previous two seasons due to concussions, was 16-20-3 with a 2.77 GAA percentage, 0.917 savings and a close in 40 games (39 starts) last season.
“I’m proud to have been a part of winning two Stanley Cups in Chicago,” Crawford said. “Thank you to all my teammates 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 “.
NHL.com staff writer Tracey Myers contributed to this report
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