NHL's Richards Retires After 15 Seasons

By ESPN

Longtime NHL center Brad Richards has retired after 15 seasons in the league, the NHL Players' Association announced Wednesday.

Richards made stops with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars, New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings. A 2011 All-Star, he collected 298 goals and 634 assists in his 15 seasons.

Richards, 36, helped lead the Lightning to their only Stanley Cup title (2004), collecting 26 points in 23 playoff games and earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as MVP of the postseason. He also helped the Blackhawks to a Stanley Cup title in 2015.

The Lightning and Blackhawks were among Richards' former teams to congratulate Richards on Twitter. Former teammate and reigning MVP Patrick Kane also paid tribute to him in a tweet.

"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 put out by the NHLPA. "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."