The 36-year-old goalkeeper, who won the Stanley Cup in 2013 and 2015 with the Chicago Blackhawks, had taken leave of absence from the New Jersey Devils on Friday for personal reasons after five consecutive practice sessions during training camp.
“I have been fortunate to have had a long career as a professional hockey player,” said Crawford. “I wanted to continue my career, but believe I gave my all to the game of hockey and decided it is time to retire. I want 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 make my childhood dream come true. ”
Crawford agreed to a two-year $ 7.8 million deal with the Devils on Oct. 11 after spending 13 seasons with the Blackhawks from 2005-2020. He was 260-162-53 with an average of 2.45 goals against, a save percentage of .918 and 26 shutouts in 488 regular season games, and is third on Chicago’s all-time win list.
He was 52-42 with a GAA of 2.38, a save percentage of 0.918 and five shutouts in 96 Stanley Cup Playoff games. Crawford’s 52 playoff wins is a Blackhawks record.
“Corey has an unforgettable place within our organization, in the hearts of our fans and in Chicago’s sporting history,” the Blackhawks said in a statement. “We congratulate Corey on a Hall of Fame worthy playing career – one that we celebrate with him today as a member of the Blackhawks family forever.
“Crow is not only one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of the Chicago Blackhawks franchise, but has also been a pillar of our local community throughout his career.… He entranced a generation of Blackhawks fans into last decade, plus Chicago’s two Stanley Cups. We wish him, his wife Kristy, and sons, Cooper and Camden, nothing but the best in this next chapter. ”
Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane, who played with Crawford for 13 seasons, said Crawford’s contributions went well beyond stopping pucks.
“He was an incredible player and obviously a big part of our championships here, a big part of the organization for the past 10-15 years,” said Kane on Saturday. “He’s a great guy to be around, he always seemed in a good mood, always competed in training. He just helped me get better in training. Obviously I still feel like that. he plays at a very high level back to last year in the playoffs I wish him all the best Obviously we’ll have conversations 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 that he wanted to win another championship and felt he could do it here. You always appreciated his level of confidence and he wanted to play. He was a gamer, you know? We’re talking about his balanced attitude. , but he stood up for those big games and he shone in those big games too. “
Crawford, who missed 80 games in the previous two seasons due to concussions, was 16-20-3 last season with a 2.77 GAA, 0.917 save percentage and one shutout in 40 games (39 starts).
Devils coach Lindy Ruff said he is looking forward to having Crawford play for New Jersey this season.
“My first thoughts are disappointment,” said Ruff. “Corey has had an incredible career. Conversations I’ve had with him, I understand where he stands and I think the fact that he’s had a great career and he’s gotten to this point, you’re dealing with it and your It is something that was clearly deep in his head.
“We all had conversations with him, you know, started with [Devils general manager] Tom [Fitzgerald], myself, [Devils VP and Hall of Fame goalie Martin Brodeur]. You know, you just understand where he was. I think those first conversations are, ‘How can we help you, is there anything we can change, all those conversations. … But that was really not the point. “
Crawford said he was grateful for his time with the Blackhawks, culminating in Chicago Cup victories during his tenure.
“I am proud to have been part of winning two Stanley Cups in Chicago,” said Crawford. “Thank you to all my teammates and coaches over the years. Thank you also to the fans who have made this great game what it is. I am 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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