Goalie Crawford decides to retire
Corey Crawford, who helped the Chicago Blackhawks win two Stanley Cups, retired Saturday less than three months after signing with the New Jersey Devils and less than a week before the start of the NHL season.
The 36-year-old goalie made the announcement after a week of speculation about his future. He did not practice this week. Devils coach Lindy Ruff said the decision was for personal reasons.
“I have been fortunate to have had a long career playing professional hockey for a living,” Crawford said in a statement. “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.”
Crawford said playing in the NHL was a childhood dream and he was proud to have been a part of winning two Stanley Cups.
Crawford played in 10 NHL seasons and 488 regular-season games. He signed a two-year, $7.8 million contract as a free agent with the Devils in October.
New Jersey opens its season at home Thursday against Boston. Mackenzie Blackwood returns as the Devils’ top goaltender.
Islanders: Mathew Barzal took part in his first practice of training camp after agreeing to a $21 million, three-year deal. The 23-year-old star forward missed the first few days of camp as the NHL’S most prominent unsigned restricted free agent. General manager Lou Lamoriello got the deal done five days before the Islanders open the season at the rival Rangers. Barzal will count $7 million against the salary cap through the 2022-23 season.
Red Wings: Detroit claimed defenseman Christian Djoos off waivers from the Anaheim Ducks.