Last season Brad Richards played with the Detroit Red Wings. His 15th season in the NHL and only season in Detroit turned out to be his final as a professional hockey player.
Richards announced his retirement today, finishing his career with 298 goals and 634 assists for 932 points in 1,126 games. He entered this summer this season a free agent after the Red Wings decided not to offer him a contract.
“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.” – Brad Richards
“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,” Richards said in a statement released by the NHL Players’ Association. “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.
Richards won two Stanley Cups during his career, 11 years apart. His first came in 2004 with Tampa Bay, where he received the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. His second came in 2015 with Chicago. In addition to playing with Tampa Bay, Chicago, and Detroit, he spent four seasons with Dallas and three seasons with New York Rangers.
The only other individual award he won during his career was the Lady Byng in 2003-04. During his rookie season in 2000-01, he finished second in the Calder Memorial Trophy voting for Rookie of the Year behind Evgeni Nabokov.
