Former Maple Leafs defenseman Jordie Benn made a surprising announcement regarding the future of his playing career on Monday evening.
Jordie Benn last played in the NHL during the 2022-23 season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he skated in just 12 games and spent last season playing in the Swedish Elite League with Brynas IF where he won the league championship. After 14 NHL seasons, and with him and his wife expecting their third child, Benn announced his retirement from professional hockey Monday evening.
"It's a weird feeling that training camp is not around the corner, but it's been a really fun ride,» Benn said. "When I was younger, the veteran players told me the journey would be quick and this summer I was like 'holy cow, that flew by.'"
The 6'2, 200-pound blueliner was never a point producer, but rather a steady, reliable stay-at-home defenseman that was willing to sacrifice his body to block shots and deliver big hits. It was that persona that made him a fan favourite wherever he played.