New Jersey Devils goalkeeper Corey Crawford, who had been absent from the team indefinitely for personal reasons on Friday, announced his retirement on Saturday.
“I have been fortunate to have had a long career in professional hockey. I wanted to continue my career but believe that I have given my all to the game of hockey and I have decided it is time to retire,” said Crawford. in a statement Saturday. “I would like to thank the New Jersey Devils organization for understanding and supporting my decision.
“I want 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 and coaches over the years., thank you 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. “
36-year-old Crawford, who signed a two-year deal with the Devils last low season for an average annual value of $ 3.9 million, hadn’t practiced since the training camp opened last week. His absence was first described as “maintenance days” by coach Lindy Ruff, before the team said he was taking personal days on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
He was the starting goaltender for the Blackhawks since 2010-11 – helping them to two Stanley Cup championships – but the team decided not to re-sign him this off-season.
Crawford finished his Blackhawks career third in franchise history with 260 wins, behind only Tony Esposito and Glenn Hall. Crawford is the Blackhawks’ franchise leader in post-season victories (52) and is the only goalkeeper in team history to have multiple Stanley Cups.
The Devils have 24-year-old goalkeeper Mackenzie Blackwood, who was re-signed for training camp on a three-year $ 8.4 million deal. They also have three other goalkeepers on their camp roster: Scott Wedgewood (24 games NHL experience), Gilles Senn (two games) and Evan Cormier, who has not yet played an NHL game.