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 was fortunate to have a long career as a professional hockey player to live. I wanted to continue my career, but I believe that I gave everything I could to hockey and decided that it is time to retire,” Crawford said in a statement released on 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 chance to live my childhood dream. I am proud to have participated in the victory of two Stanley Cups in Chicago. 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 am happy and excited to move on to the next chapter of my life with my family. “
Crawford, 36, who signed a two-year contract with the Devils in the off-season for an average annual value of $ 3.9 million, has not practiced since the training camp opened last week. His absences were initially described as “maintenance days” by coach Lindy Ruff, before the team said he would take days off on Wednesday and Thursday.
He had been the Blackhawks’ goalkeeper since 2010-11 – and helped them to two Stanley Cup championships – but the team decided not to sign him again this season.
Crawford ended his career at the Blackhawks in third place in the franchise’s history, with 260 career wins, behind only Tony Esposito and Glenn Hall. Crawford is the leader of the Blackhawks franchise in post-season victories (52) and is the only goalkeeper in the history of the team with several Stanley Cups.
Devils have 24-year-old goalkeeper Mackenzie Blackwood, who signed a $ 8.4 million three-year contract ahead of the training camp. They also have three other goalkeepers in their squad – Scott Wedgewood (24 NHL experience games), Gilles Senn (two games) and Evan Cormier, who has never played in the NHL.