After 18 seasons in the NHL, a popular former Flyer has decided to call it a career. Danny Briere, a member of the Flyers from 2007 through 2013, has hung up his stakes one last time. Despite playing for the Phoenix Coyotes, the Buffalo Sabres, the Montreal Canadiens, and the Colorado Avalance, Briere's Flyers career is what hockey fans will remember most.
Briere announced the move on the Flyers website:
“After taking a few weeks to think about it, it’s time to hang them up and spend a little more time at home with the family,” Briere said. “I’ve been very, very fortunate to have had a chance to play with some great organizations, but at this point the family becomes a priority. The Flyers are where I played the bulk of my career. I’ve had a great time in Philadelphia and have been very, very fortunate to have the chance to play here. I would like to thank Mr. Snider, Paul Holmgren and Peter Luukko along with the coaches, staff, the fans and all my teammates. It’s been a great ride in an area that I still call home.”
Over on Hockey Buzz, Bill Meltzer put together the stats that show much why Breire go the nickname "Mr. Playoff":
Briere was one of the best playoff performers in Flyers franchise history. In 62 playoff games, he racked up 36 goals (13 power play goals), 32 assists, 68 points (1.097 points per game) and nine game-winning goals. His performance in the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs in particular was extraordinary. Briere played a pivotal role in bringing the Flyers to within two victories of the Stanley Cup as he produced 12 goals and 30 points in 23 games.
However, Meltzer fondly remembers Briere as someone who meant much more than his stats.
In 2008 the Flyers signed Briere to an eight-year contract as a free agent. Briere remained with the Flyers after the 2012-2013 season, when the Flyers bought out his contract. Briere then signed a two-year deal with the Montreal Canadiens, but was traded to the Colorado Avalanche after one season. In June, Briere suggested that he may retire and decided to do so today via the Flyers.
