New Jersey goalie Corey Crawford took an indefinite leave of absence from the team on Friday for personal reasons, and he announced his retirement on Saturday.
“I was lucky to have a long career playing professional hockey. I wanted to continue my career, but I believe I gave everything I could to playing hockey, and I decided it was time to retire. “I would like to thank the New Jersey Devils Organization for understanding and supporting my decision,” Crawford said in a statement issued Saturday.
“I want to thank the Chicago Blackhawks organization for the chance to live out my childhood dream. I’m proud to have won both Stanley Cups in Chicago. Thank you so much to all my teammates and coaches over the years, thank you to the “fans who make this great game what it is. I’m glad and excited to move on with my family to the next chapter of my life.”
The 36-year-old Crawford, who last season signed a two-year deal with the Devils at an average annual value of $ 3.9 million, has not trained since the training camp opened last week. His absence was first described by coach Lindy Ruff as ‘interview days’ before the team said he was taking personal days on Wednesday and Thursday.
He’s been the starting lineup for the Blackhawks since 2010-11 – and helped them out after two Stanley Cup championships – but the team decided not to sign him again this season.
Crawford finished his Blackhawks career in third place in franchise history with 260 wins in his career, just behind Tony Esposito and Glenn Hall. Crawford is the Blackhawks’ franchise leader in the post-season victory (52) and is the only goalkeeper in team history with several Stanley Cups.
The Devils have 24-year-old goalkeeper Mackenzie Blackwood, who was re-signed before training camp for a three-year contract worth $ 8.4 million. They also have three other goalkeepers on their roster – Scott Wedgewood (24 games with NHL experience), Gilles Senn (two games) and Evan Cormier, who has yet to play an NHL game.