Chris Wideman announces retirement after six NHL seasons

Chris Wideman is calling it a career.

The defenceman announced his retirement on Tuesday after six seasons in the NHL. He recorded 20 goals and 58 assists over 291 career NHL games with the Ottawa Senators, Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers and Montreal Canadiens.

Wideman last played in the NHL during the 2022-23 season as a member of the Canadiens where he picked up six assists in 46 games.

Wideman was an unrestricted free agent heading into this season.

Last season, Wideman missed all 82 games due to a back injury. He played his final game for the Canadiens on April 13, 2023.

In April of 2024, the 34-year-old defenceman told La Presse‘s Simon-Olivier Lorange that he was still dealing with back pain and will continue rehabilitation following his playing career.

“After much thought, I have decided it is best for my health and my family to retire from playing hockey professionally,” Wideman said in a letter posted by the Canadiens. “I made numerous attempts at rehabilitation, therapy and many different treatments, but eventually it became apparent that returning to the game I love would not be possible.

“…I have had the opportunity to play for some amazing organizations throughout my career and I could not be more thankful to have had the chance to play for and retire with the Montreal Canadiens.”

Wideman, a native of St. Louis, was selected by the Senators in the fourth round (100th overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

He spent four years playing for Miami University (Ohio) and three years with the Binghamton Senators in the AHL before making his NHL debut for Ottawa in the 2015-16 season.