NHL News: Chris Chelios jersey retirement, US HHOF, and more
Ryan Gagne
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Today’s NHL News examines any headlines you missed over the weekend, including Andrew Ladd retiring, Tyler Motte signing, and the U.S. Hall of Fame announcing the newest class of inductees.
Whether you are into the latest trade buzz, signing news, and more, stick with The Daily Goal Horn.
Former two-time Stanley Cup champion Andrew Ladd retires
On the weekend, Andrew Ladd, the former fourth overall pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, announced his retirement after 16 seasons. He departs as a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Carolina Hurricanes (2006) and Chicago Blackhawks (2010) while skating in 1,001 games and amassing 550 points.
Initially a Hurricanes’ prospect, he debuted during the 2005-06 season, staying in Carolina for three seasons before a trade sent him to Chicago in 2008. Interestingly, Ladd was a member of the Atlanta Thrashers during their final season in Georgia before relocating to Winnipeg to become the Jets (again). After six seasons in Canada, he briefly returned to Chicago before finishing his career with the New York Islanders and Arizona Coyotes.
Tyler Motte agrees to a league-minimum contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning were busy adjusting their roster on the weekend, first placing Josh Archibald on waivers and then agreeing to a one-year deal with Tyler Motte. Unfortunately, Archibald informed the team that he could not attend training camp and would not be playing hockey right now, so the team terminated his contract after placing him on waivers.
Considering that move left a hole in the bottom half of the Lightning, they wasted no time filling the gap by signing Motte, an unrestricted free agent still searching for a home just days away from training camp. Recently, Motte skated with the New York Rangers to end 2022-23, finishing the year with 19 points in 62 games. Statistically, the fourth-round pick (2013) has 81 points in 331 games.
Blackhawks set to retire former captain Chris Chelios’ number in February 2024
When Chris Chelios made his way home to Chicago in 1990, he was already a Stanley Cup champion and Norris Trophy winner with the Montreal Canadiens. However, after a blockbuster trade for Denis Savard, Chelios would become captain of the Blackhawks and win two additional Norris Trophies with the club.
Eventually, he wound up with the Detroit Red Wings, where he would win two additional titles and the Mark Messier Leadership Award. Although he had greater successes in other cities, Chelios solidified his Hall of Famer status with a nine-year stint with the Blackhawks, which included 487 points in 664 games. Now, the team wants to honor his contributions to the club and the community, with a jersey retirement ceremony scheduled for Feb. 25, 2024.
Interestingly, two other players have worn his #7 jersey since 1999, Lyle Odelein (2002-03) and Brent Seabrook (2006-2021). Ultimately, the Blackhawks may retire the number again for Seabrook, who won three Stanley Cups in 2010, 2013, and 2015.
U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame announcers class of 2023 inductees
On Dec. 6, 2023, the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame will welcome a new class of inductees, which include several Stanley Cup winners, Dustin Brown, Jamie Langenbrunner, and former executive Brian Burke. Additionally, college hockey coach Katie King Crowley and former NHL official Brian Murphy will enter the hall.
As captain of the Los Angeles Kings, Brown became only the second American-born leader to win the Stanley Cup by winning the silver chalice in 2012 and 2014. Meanwhile, Langerbrunner won twice as a player with the Dallas Stars (1999) and New Jersey Devils (2003) while serving as the American captain at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
As for non-player inductees, Burke has been around several NHL front offices since the 1990s, winning the Stanley Cup as the Anaheim Ducks general manager in 2007. Most recently, the Pittsburgh Penguins relieved him of his duties as President of Hockey Operations in the spring of 2023. Meanwhile, another inductee, King Crowley, is about to coach her 17th season at Boston College, reaching the Frozen Four on five occasions and still chasing her first national championship.
Finally, former NHL official Murphy will enter the Hall of Fame after a 32-year career, which lasted from 1988 to 2020, and over 2,000 regular season games. Ultimately, his success and professionalism led to an additional 304 playoff games and nine assignments in the Stanley Cup Finals.