After a remarkable 16-season career in the NHL, forward Andrew Ladd officially announced his retirement on Sunday, per NHL.com. Ladd’s journey through the league was marked by incredible achievements and the joy of playing the game he loved.
Ladd began his NHL career with a bang, winning the Stanley Cup in his rookie season with the 2006 Carolina Hurricanes. His talent and dedication were evident from the start, setting the stage for a remarkable career.
In 2010, Ladd added another Stanley Cup to his collection as a key member of the Chicago Blackhawks. His contributions on the ice and leadership qualities were undeniable.
One of the defining moments in Ladd’s career came when he was named captain of the Atlanta Thrashers in 2010, a role he continued to hold as the franchise moved to Winnipeg for the 2011-12 season. His leadership and commitment to his teammates left an indelible mark on the organizations he served.
In his retirement announcement on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Ladd reflected on his love for the game. He expressed his childhood dream of playing professional hockey and the joy he found in being part of a team, the thrill of competition, and the pursuit of victory. Ladd also mentioned his appreciation for the challenges that came with the sport, highlighting his determination to prove doubters wrong.
Ladd’s last NHL season was in 2021-22, where he contributed 12 points (seven goals, five assists) in 51 games for the Arizona Coyotes. Unfortunately, his career faced adversity when he suffered an ACL injury while playing for the New York Islanders in March 2019, leading to a prolonged period on long-term injured reserve.
Throughout his illustrious career, Ladd played for several teams, including the Hurricanes, Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets, Blackhawks, Islanders, and Coyotes. He amassed a total of 550 points, consisting of 256 goals and 294 assists, in 1,001 NHL games. Ladd’s playoff performances were equally impressive, with 18 points (nine goals, nine assists) in 65 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
One of the highlights of Ladd’s career came when he joined the exclusive club of skaters who reached the 1,000-game milestone, becoming the 370th player to achieve this feat. He achieved this milestone on April 22, 2022, while playing for the Coyotes/Jets franchise.
As he bids farewell to professional hockey, Ladd expressed his deep gratitude for the people who supported him throughout his journey. He credited his parents for their sacrifices and for instilling core values in him. Ladd emphasized that the game of hockey not only shaped him as an athlete but also brought invaluable relationships into his life.
Andrew Ladd’s retirement marks the conclusion of an outstanding NHL career filled with remarkable achievements, unforgettable moments, and the enduring impact of his leadership on and off the ice.
