Former Montreal Canadiens defenseman Chris Wideman officially hangs up the skates
This off-season has been a wild one in the NHL, and now, a former Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers blue liner has called time on his hockey career.
Chris Wideman isn't one of the biggest names in recent NHL memory, but the fourth round pick of the 2009 NHL Draft certainly played his role well in the NHL over six solid campaigns. During that time, the now 34-year old played with Ottawa, Edmonton, Florida and Montreal, playing in a solid 291 games for those teams.
Now, the veteran has decided to officially hang up the skates, with the announcement coming on social media today.
While plenty of players can celebrate this moment after a successful career, Wideman made it clear that he tried all he could to return to hockey, but ultimately, he wasn't able too.
After much thought, I have decided it is best for my health and my family to retire from playing hockey professionally. I made numerous attempts at rehabilitation, therapy and many different treatments, but eventually it became apparent that returning to the game I love would not be possible.
This is the case for so many players in hockey given the brutal toll it takes on your body, with many fans remembering positively the impact that Wideman had on the fans and his teams during his brief tenure in the league.
It wasn't the most glamorous career, but Wideman ended with 20 goals and 78 points in his career, and will be remembered fondly by plenty in Montreal and the NHL as a whole, so we wish him the best of luck in retirement and whatever role he decides to pursue moving forward.
| POLL | ||
Which team do you most remember Chris Wideman playing for? | ||
| Ottawa Senators | 11 | 42.3 % |
| Montreal Canadiens | 7 | 26.9 % |
| Edmonton Oilers | 3 | 11.5 % |
| Florida Panthers | 5 | 19.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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