Chicago Blackhawks Legend and 2x Cup Champ Makes a Sad Retirement Announcement

After a remarkable 1001-game career in the NHL, Andrew Ladd has officially announced his retirement via X (formerly known as Twitter). Ladd's NHL journey commenced in the 2005-06 season when he was selected as the fourth overall pick by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2004 draft.

Ladd's NHL resume boasts two Stanley Cup championships, with his first coming as a rookie with the Carolina Hurricanes and the second in 2010 with the Chicago Blackhawks.

While he initially didn't quite fulfill his potential in Carolina, Ladd's career took an upward turn when he joined the Blackhawks. He emerged as a top-six forward, tallying 49 points in the 2008-09 season.

However, it was his move to the Atlanta Thrashers that truly propelled Ladd to NHL stardom. Named captain immediately, he achieved new heights offensively, recording 29 goals and 59 points, sparking a run of seven consecutive seasons with 20 or more goals.

Ladd's most significant impact was made in Winnipeg, where he served as the franchise's first captain. He guided the Jets to their first playoffs appearance since relocation and posted a career-high 62 points in his final full season in Winnipeg. He also represented Canada at three IIHF Men's World Championships.

After returning to the Blackhawks for a 2016 Stanley Cup push, Ladd entered unrestricted free agency, leading to a pivotal moment in his career. He signed a $5.5 million AAV contract with the New York Islanders through the 2022-23 season. While his first season on Long Island saw 23 goals, subsequent years were challenging, with declining production.

Injuries and physical wear and tear began to affect Ladd's availability. By 2019-20, he played more in the AHL with the Islanders' affiliate in Bridgeport. A trade to the Arizona Coyotes in 2021-22 allowed him to reach the 1,000 game milestone, but his last season ended prematurely due to a failed physical.

Despite the later career difficulties, Andrew Ladd leaves behind a highly respected NHL legacy. He was a valuable power forward during his prime, contributing to the success of multiple teams in the league.