According to Aaron Ward of TSN, former Anaheim Ducks defenseman Toni Lydman has decided to retire from the NHL. While not as shocking at the exodus of former New Jersey Devils forward Ilya Kovalchuk, Lydman's departure does come as a bit of a surprise.
The 35-year-old native of Finland was an unrestricted free agent after spending the last three season with the Ducks. It doesn't appear his decision is based on lack of opportunity. It was reported that he turned down at least one multi-year deal from an unnamed club.
That leaves me to wonder if the hit he took from Detroit Red Wings forward Justin Abdelkader in game three of the opening round of the Western Conference playoffs was to blame.
If that is the case, Lydman's last moments an an NHL defenseman were spent trying to figure out where he was and what he was doing. That is the real sad part of all this.
Here is the hit....
Abdelkader was suspended for two games on a hit the NHL deemed illegal. Lydman didn't return in the series after complainting of migraines and a stiff neck. The Ducks lost 2-1 and 3-2 series leads before bowing out the the Wings.
Lydman played 35 games for the Ducks last season and collected just six assists. He actually hadn't scored a goal since 2010-11. However, he was a big piece of the Ducks defensive corps and played nearly 20 minutes a game. Drafted by Calgary in 1996 (4th round 89th overall), Toni played in a total of 847 NHL games for the Flames, Buffalo Sabres and Ducks.
As of now there is no link between the Abdelkader hit and Lydman's decision to walk away, but I wouldn't be surprised if the two are related and we hear more about this in the coming days or weeks.
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