The 36-year-old goalie, who won the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2013 and 2015, said goodbye to the New Jersey Devils indefinitely on Friday for personal reasons after missing five consecutive practices during training camp.
“I was lucky to have a long career as a professional hockey player,” Crawford said. “I wanted to continue my career, but I believe I gave everything I could to the hockey game, and I decided it was time to retire. I want to thank the New Jersey Devils organization for understanding and supporting me. “I want to thank the Chicago Blackhawks for taking the opportunity to live out my childhood dream.”
Crawford agreed a two-year, $ 7.8 million contract with the Devils on October 11 after spending 13 seasons with the Blackhawks from 2005-2020. He was 260-162-53 with a 2.45 goal-versus-average, 0.918 save percentage and 26 exclusions in 488 games in the regular season, and he was third on Chicago’s winners list.
He was 52-42 with a saving percentage of 2.38 GAA, 0.918 and five exclusions in 96 Stanley Cup playoffs. Crawford’s 52 playoff games are a Blackhawks record.
“Corey has an unforgettable place in our organization, in the hearts of our fans and in the sporting history of Chicago,” the Blackhawks said in a statement. ‘We congratulate Corey on a Hall of Fame-worthy playing career – one we celebrate with him today as a member of the Blackhawks family forever.
“‘Crow’ is not only one of the greatest goalkeepers in Chicago Blackhawks franchise history, but has also been a pillar in our local community throughout his career. … City of Chicago two Stanley Cups. We wish him, his wife Kristy, and sons, Cooper and Camden, only the best in this next chapter. ”
Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane, who played 13 seasons with Crawford, said Crawford’s contributions were far better than stopping pucks.
“He was an incredible player and obviously a big part of our championships here, a big part of the organization the last 10-15 years,” Kane said on Saturday. “He’s a great man to be with, he always seemed in a good mood, always competing in practice. He helped me to just get better in practice. I naturally feel like he’s on a lot playing high level, back to last year in the playoffs.I wish him only the best.Of course we talk and talk to him but sometimes there are bigger things than hockey and 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 confidence and he wanted to play. He was a gamer, you know? We’re talking about his evenness. attitude, but he stood up for the big games and he also shone in the big games. ‘
Crawford, who has missed 80 games during the previous two seasons due to concussion, was 16-20-3 last season with a 2.77 GAA, 0.917 save percentage and one exclusion in 40 games (39 starts).
“I’m proud to have participated in winning two Stanley Cups in Chicago,” Crawford said. “Thank you so much to all my teammates and coaches over the years. Also thank you to the fans who make this amazing 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
Video: Top 10 Corey Crawford saves from 2019-20