Andrew Ladd Announces Retirement from NHL

Two-time Stanley Cup champion and former Atlanta Thrashers and Winnipeg Jets captain Andrew Ladd retires after a 16-season NHL career.

Andrew Ladd is riding off into the sunset as he officially announced his retirement from the NHL on Sunday after 16 seasons. 

The 37-year-old didn't play last season for the Arizona Coyotes and was on long-term injured reserve. His last season on the ice came in 2021-22 when he had seven goals and five assists for 12 points in 51 games with the Coyotes.

Ladd made the announcement on social media with a statement thanking everyone who shaped his career and reflecting on his time in the NHL since being drafted fourth overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2004.

"The time has come for my next chapter," Ladd said. "When I was a kid, I never thought I had a chance to make a living playing hockey."

In 1,001 games spent with the Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Atlanta Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets, and Coyotes, Ladd finished his career with 256 goals and 294 assists for 550 points. And in 65 playoff games, he recorded nine goals and 18 points.

Ladd served as the captain of the Winnipeg Jets as well, coming over with the team after they relocated from Atlanta. The British Columbia native also won two Stanley Cups, one with the Hurricanes in 2006 and one with the Blackhawks in 2010. 

"As I reflect on the journey, the 1,001 games, the two Stanley Cups, the opportunity to captain a Canadian city, what I'm most grateful for is the people," Ladd said. He mentioned his parents for their sacrifice, core values and love, his brothers for their love and loyalty, his grandfather who believed in his potential, and his extended family for their support. 

Ladd also shouted out his "teammates, who pushed me to grow on and off the ice, some who have become lifelong friends. The equipment staff who selflessly made sure I always had what I needed, whether that was equipment or a conversation. The medical staff who kept me on the ice or made sure I had a ride home after surgery." He then showed his thanks for team service co-ordinators, GMs, friends, his kids, his wife Brandy, the teams and many more people.

"The fans who are the fuel of our game and created so many amazing moments like the first game back in the 'Peg, the anthem at the madhouse (in Chicago), and standing for an entire Game 7 in Carolina," he said. "Your energy and passion created those moments."

Correction: Ladd won the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010.