Patrick Sharp's turn to leave team with final message

Just like Milan Lucic did in Boston a few days back, Patrick Sharp bought a full page of a local Chicago newspaper to thank the fans of the city and the Blackhawks organization for the decade he spent there. Arrived in Chicago from Philadelphia after the lock-out in 2005-2006, Sharp became a cornerstone of the 'Hawks three championships over the last six seasons. Despite some tougher times last season, during which rumours circulated about some off-ice frictions with Ducan Keith, among others, Sharp had some great moments in Chicago, scoring 30 goals or more four times. Sharp was traded to the Dallas Stars on friday night in a four-player transaction that sent defenseman Trevor Daley and forward Ryan Garbutt. Dallas already had the second best offense in the league last season and the addition of Sharp will make them even more dangerous.

THANK YOU, CHICAGO I arrived in Chicago in 2005, not knowing the journey that the Blackhawks would take me on over the next 10 years. This team gave me an opportunity to play, to grow and become the person I am today. I will always be grateful for the time I spent here. Winning the Stanley Cup was a dream come true; winning it three times with three different groups of teammates, coaches and trainers, was the ultimate privilege as a player. I feel an overwhelming sense of pride when I look back on all that we've accomplished together. Thank you to Rocky Wirtz, John McDonugh, Stan Bowman and the entire Blackhawks family for allowing me to be part of a world class organization on and off the ice. Thank you to the fans for embracing me as a player and as accepting me as a part of Chicago. This city has meant so much to me and my family: Three Stanley Cup victories. The birth of Madelyn Grace and Sadie Ellen. Endless memories from the fans, my friends and teammates. For the Sharp family, Chicago has become home. Thank you, Patrick, Abby, Madelyn and Sadie Sharp

Nice move by Patrick Sharp to take a full-page ad in Sunday's Chicago Tribune to thank fans. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/VYYJoboAW3

— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) July 12, 2015