Calling it a career: Brian Campbell retires, joins Blackhawks front office

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When Brian Campbell returned to the Blackhawks last summer he made it clear that he wanted to stay and raise his family in Chicago. Campbell’s playing days are officially over, but his time with the Blackhawks is not.  

Campbell announced his retirement on the Steve Cochran Show on WGN Radio 720 on Monday morning, adding that he’ll join the business side of the Blackhawks. The team said Campbell will be working with the Blackhawks “in the marketing community and [with] youth hockey initiatives.”

The veteran defenseman had two stints with the Blackhawks. He was part of the 2010 Stanley Cup team before he was traded to the Florida Panthers in the summer of 2011. Campbell signed a one-year deal with the Blackhawks last July.

The 38-year-old Campbell said the decision to retire was a bittersweet one.

“The first time you say it out loud, it hurts, but I’m excited,” Campbell said of his upcoming off-ice work with the Blackhawks. “I know I could play physically. Mentally I’m done with it a little bit. It’s a grind. I played 18 years now of pro hockey, I’m tired and a little done with that. I have two little girls… I’m going to be putting them in the forefront a little more. That’s what I looked at.

“I’m excited to stay with the Blackhawks, that’s the No. 1 thing I wanted to do,” Campbell continued. “I’m going in to work on the business side. I want to learn and grow with it. I’ll work my way up in that organization. There’s a lot of good people, so I’m excited for that opportunity.”

Returning to Chicago was key for Campbell last summer. It’s where he and his family call home. To stay here with the Blackhawks in an off-ice capacity is the perfect finale for him.

“That’s why I came back, that’s why I want to be part of the organization. Leadership has been good to me,” Campbell said. “I’ve worked hard and that’s what I want to do is continue to grow, the fans to get more excited. It’s just fitting. for me. It worked out perfectly.”

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