Hangin' Them Up: Chris Chelios Retires

Arguably one of the most fierce and tenacious competitors to play over the past thirty years is leaving the NHL. Physical freak and iron man defenseman Chris Chelios is retiring after playing in 26 NHL seasons. Last season the 48 year old played 7 games for the Atlanta Thrashers and 46 games for their AHL affiliate Chicago Wolves. After posting 5 goals, 17 assists and a +34 rating in 46 AHL games, his time had come after realizing his situation in the south wasn't what he needed for his career.

"I think I decided (it was over) in Atlanta, when I was called up to Atlanta ... The role I had in Atlanta ... I did it in Detroit because we had a great team. I still looked at myself as a significant part. To stay in Detroit, I would have done anything. I would have done that forever. But I wasn't going to do that for any other team. At least I saw that that's not what I wanted to do. I ended it the way I wanted to." 

He has decided to sign back on with the Red Wings in a front office role where he will most likely spend next season working with AHL affiliate Grand Rapids prospects. He will reside with his family in Detroit.

"The luxury I have now is being able to stay in Detroit with my family and working for the Red Wings ... I watched what Stevie did, and I'm trying to kind of follow in his footsteps what he did. His first year was kind of a learning experience for him. He didn't know what he wanted to do."

Drafted in 1981 by the Canadiens, Chris became a star from the time he hit the ice with his compete level, smooth passing, and leadership ability. He flourished until his last statistically productive season with Detroit in 2002. His ability to stay in incredible shape and play hard-knock defense allowed him to be an effective player until his last full season with the Red Wings in 2008 winning a Stanley Cup championship.

Chelios played in 1,651 NHL games notching 185 goals and 763 assists with 2,891 penalty minutes (which is the equivalent to slumbering in the sin bin for 48 hours straight) racking up 11 NHL All-Star selections, 3 Stanley Cup rings (Montreal '89; Detroit '02, '08), and 3 James Norris trophies as the best defenseman in the NHL.

Along with Mike Modano, Brett Hull, and Jeremy Roenick, Chris Chelios was a staple in the development of the United States hockey program competing in 11 different events serving as a captain and bringing home a silver medal in 2002.

The presence of Chelios missing in pro hockey will be mindboggling to say the least after a sure to be Hall of Fame career that rivals very few in length and productivity.

-Dustin Lundberg