Red Wings forward Brad Richards announces his retirement

By @MichaelCaples –

It was expected that Brad Richards would only be in Hockeytown for one season.

The veteran forward made that official today when he announced his retirement from the NHL.

Richards, who played in 68 games with the Red Wings this past season after signing a one-year deal last summer, released a statement through the NHL Players’ Association today to end his career after 15 seasons.

“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. “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.”

Richards will certainly be remembered as a member of other organizations, despite his one-year stint with the Red Wings that saw him produce 10 goals and 18 assists. Over the course of his career, Richards recorded 298 goals and 634 assists for 932 points in 1,126 games.

He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP during the Lightning’s run to the Stanley Cup in 2004, and helped the Chicago Blackhawks to hockey supremacy in 2015.

“Most importantly, I want to thank my mom (Delite) and dad (Glen) and my sister (Paige) for being behind me since I was a young child,” Richards said. “And of course, my wife, Rechelle and son, Luca, now for making this decision easier because I will be able to spend more time with them.”