The hockey community received the news that played Ryan Callahan will be retiring.
Callahan posted a statement on Twitter where he states he is retiring, and also thanks to the New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning organizations.
He lastly thanked his wife for being by his side and the game of hockey for giving him memories.
Callahan played in the NHL for 13 years with the Rangers and Lightning. The Rangers drafted Callahan in the fourth round of the 2004 NHL Draft. Callahan played with the Rangers for four-eight years and became a captain in 2011.
Ryan Callahan played a total of 450 games with the Blueshirts, scoring 132 goals and 122 assists. In the 2013-2014 season, Callahan was traded to Tampa Bay.
At only 35 years old, the decision to retire was led by having a back injury that kept Callahan from playing last season. Callahan was supposed to play for the Ottawa Senators last season but was never able to.
Ryan Callahan was a fan-favorite for Rangers Nation. He was one of the best captains the team has had, and fans loved how he led this team.
Photo: —Callahan was a tough, strong player who was always one step ahead. His time with the Rangers will be unforgettable and how far he led the team during the season and playoffs is something Rangers fans will praise for years to come. Callahan was not only a great player on the ice, but he held such a high reputation off the ice as well. He left a significant impact on the Rangers organization and set such a good example of this organization.
The only other captain for the Rangers after Callahan was Ryan McDonagh, who would also end up being traded to Tampa Bay.
As of now, the Rangers have not had a new captain since McDonagh.
There has been speculation of someone being named captain this year possibly, Mika Zibanejad or Chris Kreider, but nothing has been confirmed.
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