A Hall of Famer Retires: The Hall is Next Stop for Brendan Shanahan

Brendan Shanahan started his career in New Jersey and also played with the St. Louis Blues, Hartford Whalers, Detroit Redwings and the NY Rangers before returning to Jersey yet again announced his retirement on Nov. 17th.

Shanahan was the Devils first round pick in the 1987 draft and second over all at the very young age of 18. Brendan stayed with New Jersey from 1988 to 1991. In just those three seasons with the Devils he put up 148 points before moving onto St. Louis at the age of 22.

In St. Louis he put up some of his best seasons three over all, his best two were with 51 Goals and 94 points in 92-93 season and 52 goals and 50 assists for an 102 points in the 92-93 season.

Brendan was traded to the Hartford Whalers and enjoyed a short stint of a year with them while recording 44 goals and 78 points before moving onto the Redwings where he spent most of his career.

The Redwings years is where Brendan would lift the Cup. Winning back to back Stanley Cups in 96-97 and 97-98 seasons the 96 Cup was the first the Redwings seen since 1955. The 2001-02 season the Redwings and Shanahan would return to glory again. Picking up Hall of Famers Brett Hull and Luc Robitalle along with future Hall of Famer Dominik Hasek in the off season the team was ready for another run and were glorious as Shanahan lifted the Cup for the third time.

Coming to the New York Rangers as a free agent in the 2005-06 season he recorded mile stone goals 599 and 600 in the same night. Shanahan became only the 15th NHL player to reach the 600 goal mark.

Finishing up in New Jersey where it all started Brendan scored a goal in his first back as a Devil.

Brendan's points totals added up to 1354 points in 1524 games played with 656 goals (11th overall) and 698 assists. Brendan finished his career as the 23rd highest goal scorer in league history. Three Stanley Cups, 8 All Star Games, Gold Medals in 94 World Championships, 2002 Olympics and the 91 Canada Cup his next stop is the Hall of Fame.