The Chicago Blackhawks played their final home game of the 2017-18 NHL season Friday night. For veteran forward Patrick Sharp, it may have been the last home game of his career.
The organization played a tribute video on the big screen at United Center as fans showed their appreciation with several standing ovations. Sharp also saluted the crowd following the game, as members of the St. Louis Blues remained on the ice to shake his hand.
Though he didn’t shed much light on his decision prior to the game against the Blues, Sharp was a bit more open following the final buzzer.
When asked after the game whether he would be retiring following the season, Sharp said “Yeah, probably.”
“I’m grateful I had the opportunity to come back to the Blackhawks,” he told reporters.
Sharp, 36, has spent 11 seasons in a Blackhawks sweater, helping the team win three Stanley Cups (2010, 2013, 2015). He signed with the Dallas Stars in the 2015 off-season after a decade in Chicago, but returned to his old club on a one-year deal last summer.
In 937 career NHL games over the course of his 16-year career, Sharp has registered 287 goals and 333 assists for 620 points since being drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers 95th overall in 2001.
The Blackhawks’ season will officially come to an end Saturday in Winnipeg as they take on the Jets.
