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NHL

Brad Richards retires after 15 seasons in NHL

By Lindsey Foltin FoxSports
Published | Updated
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TAMPA, FL - JUNE 7: Brad Richards #19 of the Tampa Bay Lightning holds the Stanley Cup above his head after the victory over the Calgary Flames in Game seven of the NHL Stanley Cup Finals on June 7, 2004 at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Florida. The Lightning defeated the Flames 2-1. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Brad Richards is hanging up his skates.

The longtime NHL center announced his retirement Wednesday in a press release from the NHLPA.

Richards, 36, played for five teams -- the Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars, New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings -- during 15 NHL seasons. He thanked the teams he played for and their fans.

"I want to thank the fans and the five organizations I have played for.. During my time with those teams I met many great people.

"I also want to thank the staff and management in those organizations for all the help and support they gave me. I appreciate all the trainers who did tireless work to help me play and keep me healthy. I had many amazing teammates and made many great friendships along the way that I truly appreciate, and I will never forget the great times we had together.

Selected in the third round (64th overall) by Tampa Bay in the 1998 NHL Draft, Richards finished his career with 298 goals and 634 assists in 1,126 regular-season games. In 146 playoff games, he had 37 goals and 68 assists.

Richards led the 2004 Lightning to the Stanley Cup, capturing the Conn Smythe Trophy after totaling 12 goals and 26 points in 23 postseason games to lead all skaters in scoring.

"Thank you to all my coaches for pushing, teaching and giving me the opportunity to play this great game," Richards said in the statement. "Winning the Stanley Cups in Tampa Bay and Chicago was the best part of my career and I will never forget those moments. Nothing compares to enjoying that night with your team and knowing what you have accomplished together."

Richards was also a member of Team Canada's 2004 World Cup of Hockey championship squad.