Chris Wideman announced his retirement at 34 due to a persistent back injury that kept him sidelined last season. He made significant contributions to the NHL, particularly with the Ottawa Senators, where he spent nearly a decade and made a memorable impact during the 2017 playoff run. Despite facing challenges, including the Uber-Gate scandal in 2018, he was known as a solid bottom-pairing defenceman and a good teammate. His open letter of retirement expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to play in the league, acknowledging the support of his family, teammates, and organizations throughout his career. Wideman reflected on his love for the game and how it shaped his life, emphasizing the special memories he created while playing for the Montreal Canadiens.