After 17 seasons and 1,082 career games, former Buffalo Sabres defenseman Brian Campbell is officially retiring. Campbell made the announcement during a radio interview Monday morning in Chicago.
I think everyone in Buffalo remembers the hit. I know I do. pic.twitter.com/40udHQZRuX
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) July 17, 2017
"I'm excited to transition into the next step in both my professional career and life," Campbell said in a team release. "I'm grateful to the countless number of teammates, coaches, team staff and fans that I have crossed paths with throughout my playing career in Chicago, Buffalo, Florida and San Jose. The Blackhawks organization has allowed me to take on this challenge and I'm thankful for this new opportunity."
Campbell, 38, was drafted by the Sabres with the 156th pick of the 1997 NHL Draft. In 1999, Campbell made his Sabres debut but didn't become a regular on the roster until 2000-2001.
Statistically, Campbell's best year came in 2007-2008, where he scored 43 points in 63 games with the Sabres before he was traded to the San Jose Sharks, where he added 19 points in 20 games [62 points total].
A four-time all-star, Campbell won his first Stanley Cup title with the Blackhawks in 2009. After five seasons with the Florida Panthers, Campbell returned to Chicago, finishing his career with the Blackhawks during the 2016-2017 season.
Although he's retiring from playing, Campbell will join the Blackhawks front office, where he'll serve as a youth hockey ambassador.
