Brad Richards Officially Announces NHL Retirement
By Ryan Ritchie
Brad Richards Officially Announces Retirement From NHL at 36 Years Old
Brad Richards has officially announced his retirement from the NHL on Wednesday after a long 15 year career. He spent time between Tampa Bay, Dallas, New York (Rangers), Chicago, and Detroit.
A two-time Stanley Cup winner (TB in 03/04 and CHI in 14/15), Brad Richards took home the Conn Smythe for Playoff MVP with the Lightning when he posted 26 points during their postseason run. That same year, Richards was also awarded the Lady Byng Trophy for Most Sportsmanlike Player.
Brad Richards retires, he scored 298 goals and 932 points in 1,126 #NHL games and won two Stanley Cups https://t.co/ge9gKPY9Za
— Yahoo Sports NHL (@YahooSportsNHL) July 20, 2016
Stick taps on an incredible career, @BRichards_1991. Always a Bolt ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/B8MNoZaGDQ
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) July 20, 2016
via NHLPA,
“I want to thank the fans and the five organizations I have played for: Tampa Bay, Dallas, and the three original six teams — the New York Rangers, Chicago, and Detroit. During my time with those teams I met many great people.
“I also want to thank the staff and management in those organizations for all the help and support they gave me. I appreciate all the trainers who did tireless work to help me play and keep me healthy. I had many amazing teammates and made many great friendships along the way that I truly appreciate, and I will never forget the great times we had together.
“Thank you to all my coaches for pushing, teaching and giving me the opportunity to play this great game. Winning the Stanley Cups in Tampa Bay and Chicago was the best part of my career and I will never forget those moments. Nothing compares to enjoying that night with your team and knowing what you have accomplished together.”
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Originally selected 64th overall (3rd round) by Tampa Bay back in 1998 from QMJHL Rimouski after a 115-point junior campaign, Brad Richards followed it up by posting 131 points the next year in 1998-99, finishing his junior career with 186 points in 1999-00.
Joining the Lightning in 2000-01, Richards scored 21 goals (61 points) as a rookie (made the NHL All-Rookie Team). He spent his first seven years in TB before being traded to Dallas in March 2008.
Once his contract expired following the 2010-11 season, Brad Richards signed with the NY Rangers. Digression of play eventually pushed him out of Broadway, which led to a pair of short one-year deals with Chicago and Detroit.
Next: Tampa Bay Brings Back Cory Conacher
Over his 15 year career, Brad Richards played 1126 career regular season games, posting 298 goals, 634 assists (932 points). He also appeared in 146 postseason contests, tallying 37 goals, 68 assists (105 points).
Congratulations to Brad on a great NHL career. We wish him and his family the best as they begin a new chapter in their lives.