Former Rangers captain Ryan Callahan, who did not play in 2019-20 due to a degenerative back injury, officially retired from the NHL official on Wednesday, announcing on Twitter that he is leaving the game after 13 seasons.
"Let’s make it official,’’ Callahan said. "I did not play last year due to a back injury, but I am officially announcing my retirement from the NHL. Reflecting on my career, it’s hard to wrap my head around how lucky and grateful I am for being able to live out my childhood dream for 13 amazing years.’’
Callahan, 35, was a fourth round draft pick by the Rangers in 2004, and played for the Blueshirts for parts of eight seasons, beginning in 2006-7, until he was traded at the NHL trade deadline in 2014 to the Tampa Bay Lightning for future Hall of Famer Martin St.