After 13 seasons in professional hockey, defenseman Chad Ruhwedel has decided to retire, the NHL Players’ Association announced on Tuesday. The 35-year-old appeared in 369 NHL regular-season games with the Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins, and New York Rangers, collecting 50 points on 13 goals and 37 assists.
Last season, he split time between the Rangers, where he logged one assist in five games, and their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, where he posted 18 points in 50 games.
Ruhwedel’s path to the NHL was unconventional, as he entered the league undrafted. Despite this, he carved out a role as a dependable depth defenseman.
His postseason résumé included 25 playoff games, during which he did not register a point, but he was part of the Penguins’ roster during their 2017 Stanley Cup championship, contributing in six playoff contests that year. His career became a testament to determination and seizing opportunities.
Chad Ruhwedel (NHL)Ruhwedel Retires, Cherishing Friendships, Gratitude, and a Legacy of Perseverance
In his farewell statement, Ruhwedel described his NHL career as “a dream come true” and expressed gratitude toward the Sabres, Penguins, and Rangers for trusting him with the chance to play at the sport’s highest level. While he acknowledged the unforgettable on-ice moments, he emphasized that the relationships and friendships formed along the way were the aspects he valued most.
He also addressed the many people who supported him throughout his journey, family, teammates, coaches, and fans, thanking them for being part of his experience. Ruhwedel leaves the game not only with a Stanley Cup ring but also with a legacy defined by perseverance, professionalism, and an enduring appreciation for the people who helped him along the way.
