After news that goaltender Corey Crawford was leaving the Chicago Blackhawks for personal reasons, the netminder made the announcement on Saturday morning that he is actually retiring from the game of hockey and will not join the New Jersey Devils for the upcoming season (or any season after).
Related: Devils in Scramble Mode After Crawford’s Sudden Absence
Crawford released a statement today that said the following:
I have been fortunate to have had a long career playing professional hockey for a living. I wanted to continue my career, but believe I’ve given all I can to the game of hockey, and I have decided that it is time to retire. 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 been part of winning two Stanley Cups in Chicago. Thank you to all of my teammates and coaches throughout the years. Also, thank you 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 signed with the New Jersey Devils in free agency after being unable to come to terms on a new deal with the Chicago Blackhawks. He will retire never having played a game for the Devils organization. Instead, he will finish his career with 488 career NHL games played – all with Chicago over parts of 13 seasons.
He was also a two-time Stanley Cup Champion.
What’s Next for the Devils?
The good news for the Devils is that the amended rules to the CBA mean the Devils won’t be stuck with the cap hit from a multi-year 35+ contract. Still, his is not wonderful news for the Devils who have lost one-half of their goaltending tandem for the season and now still have to pay for it. They’ll need to find a backup on short notice and it’s likely they might sign a player like Jimmy Howard, who is the top unrestricted free agent still available on the goalie market.
Perhaps, the team will wait to see if another netminder shakes loose, or tries to facilitate a last-minute trade with a team like Columbus.
Next: Islanders Sign Mathew Barzal to New 3-Yr Deal
Pingback: Montreal Canadiens Carey Price: Class Act & Franchise Player