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Beloved Stanley Cup Champion forward officially retires from professional hockey at the age of 34
A longtime two-time Stanley Cup Champion and former Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings, and St. Louis Blues forward has announced his retirement at the age of 34.
Kyle Clifford, one of the only true enforcer-type-of players left, has announced his retirement at the age of 34 through a statement with The Mayor:
"Well, it's the end of an era... And this one hits a little harder than many others.
Kyle Clifford's playing career has come to an end. He's ready (and excited) for the next chapter, as he's accepted a role in player development with the Maple Leafs."
Kyle Clifford's playing career has come to an end. He's ready (and excited) for the next chapter, as he's accepted a role in player development with the Maple Leafs."
Clifford was a second-round pick in the 2009 NHL draft with legitimate offensive promise but would ultimately take on the fourth-line agitator role throughout various organizations in the league.
He played a key part in both of the Los Angeles Kings' Stanley Cup wins in 2012 and 2014, including a historic assist on Alec Martinez's overtime winning goal, which broke the heart of New York Rangers fans. Clifford's also a very familiar face to Chicago hockey fans, but not in a good way, delivering bone-crushing hits that resulted in unfortunate injuries for the team.
His time in California came to an end in 2020, when he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs alongside his Kings teammate Jack Campbell.
Recording three points and 23 PIMs (penalty minutes) in 16 games for the Original Six franchise ultimately led to his contract not being renewed and him hitting the open market, where he landed a two-year deal with the St. Louis Blues with an AAV of $1M per season.
Clifford's on ice NHL career finished in Toronto, and his off ice career begins with the Leafs
Clifford played in 52 games for the Blues before being dealt back to the Toronto Maple Leafs for future considerations early on in the 2021-22 season.
After 753 career games throughout the National Hockey League, Clifford will now take on a player development role in the Leafs organization.
Happy retirement, Clifford!
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AOUT 7 | 343 ANSWERS Beloved Stanley Cup Champion forward officially retires from professional hockey at the age of 34 Happy retirement, Kyle! | ||
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