Style Departs

Brian Leetch and Mike Richter defined the New York Rangers. They were Gotham’s granite superstars. Amidst glitz and glamour, they were consistent and colorless. Each contest, they performed. Each season, they excelled. Leetch and Richter were not merely perennial all-stars. They were a franchise and a city’s heartbeat.

On Friday, Leetch retired. Via a statement, Leetch said farewell. "I have been fortunate to be an NHL player since 1988," he said. "I missed being in the NHL this past season but believe it was the right time for me to stop playing."

During 17 New York seasons, Leetch recorded 240 goals and 741 assists. During Toronto and Boston campaigns, he tallied 7 goals and 40 assists. In total, Leetch accrued 247 goals, 781 assists, and 1,028 points. He also garnered the 1994 Conn Smythe Trophy.

Leetch was a class individual. In this era, athletes are pampered and preening. In New York, megalomaniacs rule. Leetch was articulate and respectful. Competitors should mirror his example. Sports will regret his absence.