Veteran defenseman Girardi announces his retirement after going unsigned

It was time to hang up the skates...

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 4 years ago
Veteran defenseman Girardi announces his retirement after going unsigned
Zuma Press

It is the end of a road for Dan Girardi. 

On Friday, the former New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman announced his retirement after 13 seasons in the NHL.

The 35-year-old had four goals and 16 points in 62 games with the Lightning last season, his second campaign as a member of the team. He also took part in all four of the team’s playoff games, but failed to post a point.

He was an unrestricted free agent this summer, but remained unsigned, most likely convincing him it was time to end ups the skates. 

“I would like to thank all my coaches, family, friends and teammates for supporting me throughout my entire hockey career,” Girardi said. “I want to thank the New York Rangers for giving me a chance to fulfill my childhood dream of playing in the NHL. Throughout those 11 incredible years I have made so many friends on and off the ice. I bled Ranger blue and gave it my all for my team, the city and the Garden faithful. I also want to thank the Tampa Bay Lightning for helping me continue my career by giving me a chance to play for such an amazing organization, city and fan base. The last two years in Tampa Bay have been so much fun for me and my family. I will always fondly remember my time here. Finally, I want to thank my wife Pamela for always being there for me and holding down the fort and to Landon and Shaye for always being daddy’s No. 1 fans.
“I gave my all every single night and left it all out on the ice. Now it’s time for the next chapter of my life to begin and I couldn’t be happier…and so is my body.”

Both the Rangers and Ligthning took the time to thank the veteran blue liner for his services on social media. 



Undrafted to begin his NHL career, Girardi broke into the NHL with the New York Rangers during the 2006-07 season and went on appear in a total of 927 career games, posting 56 goals and 264 points. 

Girardi, who was named to the NHL All-Star game as a member of the Rangers in 2012, spent 11 seasons in the Big Apple before being bought out by the club in 2017 and subsequently signing with the Lightning.

We wish him all the best in this new chapter! 

Source: Twitter