BREAKING: 2x Stanley Cup Champion Officially Announces Retirement

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Skyler Walker
September 10, 2023 (1:12 PM)

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Andrew Ladd, with an impressive 1001-game NHL career, has officially announced his retirement via X, formerly Twitter. His journey began in the 2005-06 season when he was selected as the fourth overall pick by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2004 draft.

Ladd boasts two Stanley Cup championships, winning as a rookie with the Carolina Hurricanes and again in 2010 with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Although he didn't reach his potential in Carolina, Ladd's career took a positive turn with the Blackhawks, becoming a top-six forward with 49 points in the 2008-09 season.

His move to the Atlanta Thrashers was pivotal, where he became captain and achieved offensive heights, scoring 29 goals and 59 points, starting a streak of seven seasons with 20 or more goals.

Ladd left his mark in Winnipeg as the franchise's inaugural captain, leading them to their first playoff appearance since relocation. He recorded a career-high 62 points in his final full season and represented Canada at three IIHF Men's World Championships.

Returning to the Blackhawks for a 2016 Stanley Cup push, Ladd entered unrestricted free agency and signed a $5.5 million AAV contract with the New York Islanders through 2022-23. While his first season on Long Island saw 23 goals, subsequent years brought declining production.

Injuries and wear and tear affected Ladd's availability. By 2019-20, he played more in the AHL with the Islanders' affiliate in Bridgeport. Traded to the Arizona Coyotes in 2021-22, he reached 1,000 games but ended his last season prematurely due to a failed physical.

Despite later career challenges, Andrew Ladd leaves a highly respected NHL legacy, known as a valuable power forward who contributed to multiple teams' success in the league.

Source: Hawksinsider