Former Rangers Captain Chris Drury Announces Retirement From NHL

NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) -- Chris Drury couldn't make it with the Rangers in 2011-12.

Now he's retiring from the NHL just two months after the former New York captain had the final year of his contract bought out by the team.

The 34-year-old Drury is coming off an injury-plagued season that limited him to 24 games. He made the announcement Friday through the NHL Players' Association.

In 892 career games with Colorado, Calgary, Buffalo and the Rangers, the constantly clutch Drury had 255 goals and 615 points.

He was let go by the Rangers in late June after a largely disappointing four seasons, including three as captain. Drury was given $3.333 million for the buyout that closed the five-year, $35.25 million deal he signed with New York after leaving Buffalo as a free agent in 2007.

The Rangers then used that cap space to sign prized free-agent center Brad Richards to a nine-year, $60 million deal.

Drury could have earned his full $5 million for next season if he chose to apply for a medical exception because of his injured left knee and it was determined that he wasn't able to play. It isn't clear if Drury is healthy enough to continue his career if he chose to.

Are you surprised that Drury is hanging it up? Let us know in the comments below...

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