Veteran skater Chris Stewart has announced his retirement from the NHL. The 32-year-old hasn’t been a regular for several seasons but his decision still comes at a time when many skaters are productive into their mid-30’s. He announced the move Sunday evening.
Thank you!! pic.twitter.com/eQm3JrI42S
— chris stewart (@Cstew_7) September 27, 2020
Chris Stewart Retires
Stewart did not play a major role for the Philadelphia Flyers in 2019-20. He skated in only 16 games with one assist and 21 penalty minutes. This comes after a 2018-19 campaign that saw Stewart suit up in the United Kingdom’s EIHL and Canada’s Allen Cup Hockey League. He has never been able to recapture the magic of 2009-10 campaign with the Colorado Avalanche. That was the year Stewart scored 28 goals and 64 points in 77 games.
The Avalanche drafted Steward in the first round of the 2006 Draft but he ultimately played for seven teams across 11 NHL seasons. His productive years were with the St. Louis Blues with 63 goals and 115 points in 211 games. He was an acceptable NHL player but he failed to live up to his draft selection or capitalize on two of his most productive seasons.
What This Means for the Future
Stewart’s career is still worthy of respect despite not turning out as some might have hoped. He managed to outscore multiple players from his draft class that were drafted higher. His production was greater than both Jiri Tlusty and James Sheppard. He received all-star votes twice and appeared in the playoffs six times. Perhaps the most impressive part of his career is his representation of his junior team.
The Kingston Frontenacs have produced several NHL players but Stewart still managed to finish his career as the program’s third-highest scoring alumnus. The only two to have more points played in a very different era through the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. Stewart’s career was disappointing but he still maximized his ability more than some of his contemporaries.
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