Former Blackhawks goalie Crawford calls it quits
Former Hawks goalie stuns hockey world by announcing retirement
Two-time Stanley Cup champ Corey Crawford announces retirement days before hewas set to start season with the New Jersey Devils.
It turns out Corey Crawford won’t play a game for any team other than the Blackhawks.
The two-time Stanley Cup champion announced his retirement Saturday, issuing a farewell statement to fans and the Hawks and New Jersey Devils organizations through the Devils’ communications staff.
The statement came less than a week before Crawford was set to begin the season with the Devils, with whom he signed a two-year, $7.8 million contract in October after the Hawks decided not to re-sign the veteran.
“I have been fortunate to have had a long career playing professional hockey for a living,” Crawford said in the 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. 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.”
Just Friday, the Devils said Crawford would be “taking an indefinite leave of absence due to personal reasons.”
The 36-year-old, who would’ve been entering his 11th full season in the NHL, did not participate in camp.
The Hawks issued a statement on social media congratulating Crawford on a “Hall of Fameworthy career” and stating that he will remain a member of the “Blackhawks family forevermore.”
The Hawks selected Crawford in the second round of the 2003 draft, and he was the team’s starting goalie from 2010-11 through last season. Crawford spent 13 seasons with the Hawks and was a key part of their championship runs in 2013 and ’15.
He posted a career 260-162-53 record, 2.45 goals-against average and .918 save percentage. He won two William M. Jennings trophies , awarded to the goaltenders of the team with the fewest goals against during the regular season.
His wins are the third-most in franchise history and he holds the team record with 52 playoff victories.
Hawks winger Patrick Kane had nothing but praise for his former teammate.
“Unbelievable player,” Kane said Saturday. “Obviously (he was) a big part of our championships here, big part of the organization here for the past 10 or 15 years and a great guy to be around.
“(He) always seemed to be in a good mood, always competed in practice, which as a player you appreciate. He helped me get better just in practice.
“(I) still feel he’s playing at a really high level going back to last year and the playoffs. Wish him all the best. … Sometimes there’s bigger things in life than hockey and (I) wish him all the best in the future.”
Did Crawford’s decision surprise Kane?
“Yeah, I know that he’s getting a little bit older but I still thought he was playing at a super-high level,” Kane said. “I guess it’s a little bit surprising. I’m not going to speak for him as to what went into his decision or why he decided to retire. Everyone has their reasons.
“Just what we saw last year, he was unbelievable for us the second half of the season, in the playoffs and also throughout the past 10 years. He’s been an believable goaltender, played at a high level consistently, and (he) is a big reason for our team’s success.”
Added Hawks defenseman Duncan Keith: “I haven't spoken to him, but I'm sure there's a few mixed emotions there for him. I can't say enough good things about Crow and the teammate that he was.
“Everybody knows what hewas able to do for us in net, especially during those playoff runs and the last several years here being the backbone of our team.”
Coach Jeremy Colliton said he didn't know if the team would give Crawford a one-day contract so he can retire as a Blackhawk or honor him in someway during the season, but “whether they do it or not, he's a Blackhawk. He'll be remembered as a Blackhawk.”
Florida Panthers coach Joel Quenneville, whowas Crawford's coach in Chicago through 2018-19, told the Daily Herald's John Dietz: “It was a privilege to have the opportunity to coach Crow, and I thank him for his contributions to the Hawks' championship runs. He validated the importance of what great goaltending means. (I) wish ‘Crow' health and happiness as he begins his next chapter in life.”
Crawford also received well-wishes from former teammates and others in the hockeyworld.
Andrew Shaw, Crawford's teammate for six seasons, wrote on Instagram: “Best of luck where ever you end up Crow! You always gave us 100 percent and I'll never forget that! Lots of respect for you! Thanks for always being you! Hall of Famer inmy books bud!”
Alex DeBrincat tweeted: “Congrats on retirement Crow!”
“Congrats Crow on a great career! Wish you the best,” Hawks forward Matthew Highmore wrote on his Twitter account.
Chicago defenseman Adam Boqvist tweeted:
“Wishing you the best in retirement, Crow!”
On his Instagram account, former Hawks winger Bryan Bickell called Crawford a “good teammate but a better friend,” adding “congrats Corey on (an) amazing career.”
Former Hawk and current Canadiens goaltender Phil Danault told Jonathan Bernier of Le Journal de Montreal that Crawford was “a great leader in Chicago. He took me under his wing. I had just arrived in Chicago, it was my birthday, and he had me for dinner. It showed the great leader that he was. He was definitely a winner.”
Crawford dealt with two concussions and lingering symptoms over a two-season span, being placed on injured reserve in December 2017, October 2018 and December 2018.
During the summer, Crawford overcame a bout with COVID-19 and joined Hawks training camp a day before the team flew to Edmonton, Alberta, for the postseason. He helped propel them past the Edmonton Oilers in a qualifying series before bowing to the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round of the expanded playoffs after the break because of the pandemic.
After some standout performances in the Edmonton bubble, Crawford expressed the desire to return to the Hawks. He and now-president of hockey operations Stan Bowman reportedly couldn't agree to terms on the length of the deal.
After signing with the Devils, Crawford told reporters he was “devastated” with the Hawks' decision to go with younger options at the position.
“I was pretty devastated to get the news about not returning to Chicago,” he said Oct. 10. “That's all I've known inmy career. … We just didn't go back and forth at all. …
“It was a tough phone call.… For me, itwas pretty emotional after that talking to someof the players.”