NHL: Campbell caps off career after 17 seasons, will work for Blackhawks
CHICAGO— After the Blackhawks’ season concluded, 38-year-old defenceman Brian Campbell said he would either continue playing in Chicago or call it a career.
Campbell made his choice Monday, and after 17 seasons in the NHL, Campbell opted for retirement.
Campbell will remain with the Hawks and take a position in their business operations department, the team announced.
“I’m excited to transition into the next step in both my professional career and life,” said Campbell in a statement.
“I’m grateful to the countless number of teammates, coaches, team staff and fans that I have crossed paths with throughout my playing career in Chicago, Buffalo, Florida and San Jose. The Blackhawks organization has allowed me to take on this challenge and I’m thankful for this new opportunity.”
Campbell began his career with the Sabres in 1999 and had two stints with the Hawks.
Campbell finishes with 1,082 games played, 87 goals and 417 assists. The Hawks signed him to an eight-year deal worth about $57.1 million (U.S.) in 2008 and he spent three seasons in his first stint with the team, which included winning the 2010 Stanley Cup. He was a key part of a three playoff teams before the Hawks traded him to the Panthers in 2011 due to salary-cap considerations.
Campbell played in Florida before re-signing with the Hawks last season. He also played part of one season with the Sharks.
Campbell kept a home in Chicago even when he was playing in Florida and rejoined the Hawks on a discounted $2.25-million deal.
The Hawks have lost veterans Niklas Hjalmarsson, Johnny Oduya, Trevor van Riemsdyk and now Campbell from the six defencemen they used in the playoffs.
But the Hawks are also right up against the salary cap and won’t get relief until winger Marian Hossa is put on long-term injured reserve after the seasons begins. That means the Hawks would not have been able to sign Campbell to anything more than a cheap deal in the off-season. That might not have been so desirable to Campbell after already signing for less than market value.
Outside of Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook, the Hawks will be relying next season on 24-year-old Connor Murphy, who came over in the Hjalmarsson trade with Arizona, and other young defencemen such as Michal Kempny and Gustav Forsling.