Nov 28, 2008 - 7:52 PM
0 shoutsOTTAWA (Ticker) -- One day after being placed on waivers, veteran defenseman Luke Richardson elected to retire from the NHL on Friday.
Richardson, 39, did not register a point in two games with the Ottawa Senators this season.
A 21-year veteran, Richardson has 35 goals and 166 assists in 1,417 career games with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Tampa Bay Lightning and Senators.
"It's a little weird," he said. "I've definitely enjoyed my time playing and it looks like it's over. There's pretty much no regret in that area. I've had a great opportunity here. Bryan (Murray, the Senators' general manager) has given me a great opportunity in the last year and a chance to come home and play at home. This is where we wanted to be as a family and it was a great thrill here at the end, playing for the Senators.
"From here, I'm not exactly sure where it's going to go."
Richardson admitted that he has talked with Murray about possible coaching positions within the Senators organization.
"I'd love to stay here and coach and I think they've shown interest in that," Richardson said.
Senators coach Craig Hartsburg said he'd welcome Richardson with open arms.
"There's no easy way for anybody to end their career," Hartsburg said. "If everything works out, I'd love to have Luke come and work with us. He has great knowledge and character ... you want people like that around.
"He's been a warrior and a character player. If he gets into coaching, which we would like to see him do, he'll do a great job because of his character."
