Bobby Holik Calls it a Career

A few days ago Bobby Holik announced his retirement from the NHL. Holik was quick to mention that he had no regrets and that he was officially retiring from the NHL to spend more time with his family.

 “I miss being with my family every day,” said Holik, the two-time Stanley Cup winner (1995 and 2000 with the New Jersey Devils). “I knew when the season ended, but I wanted to leave and get home first, and not make a big deal of it. A player is what I was. Now I’m a husband and a father.”

The 38 year-old came into the NHL labeled as a solid player when he was selected 10th overall by Hartford Whalers.

Holik didn’t break into the league until 1990-91 when he teased the Whalers with his raw potential in posting 43 points during his rookie season. There was no sophomore jinx for Holik who next season improved on his rookie campaign by posting 45 points, before being shipped off to the Devils.

In New Jersey, Holik enjoyed his greatest success by being on the Devil’s two Stanley Cup winning teams.

After spending 10 seasons with the Devils, Holik jumped to the New York Rangers where in July 2002, he signed a 9 million dollar contract. Two seasons later after underachieving in the Big Apple he was cut loose and singed with the Atlanta Thrashers where he played for three years before ending his career back in New Jersey.

Known throughout his career as being durable, this aggressive forward played every single contest for the sixth time in his lengthy career. Holik, who finished his career with an impressive +134 rating, has played in 786 games for New Jersey, which places him sixth on the all time Devils list for games played.

“The number one reason I’m retiring is to be with my family and see my daughter,” Holik said. “That’s too much to give up again.”