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.

Chris Wideman has announced his retirement from the NHL after a six-season career, concluding his time with the Montreal Canadiens. At 34, Wideman struggled with a back injury that sidelined him last season, leading to his decision to retire for health and family reasons. In his last season, he recorded six assists and a career-high 81 penalty minutes in 46 games. Over his career, he accumulated 78 points in 291 games played for multiple teams, including the Ottawa Senators and Edmonton Oilers. Wideman expressed gratitude for fulfilling his childhood dream of playing in the NHL and is hopeful about finding ways to remain connected to the sport in the future.

Chris Wideman is a former defenseman who announced his retirement after six NHL seasons, with his last three spent with the Canadiens. The 34-year-old struggled with a back injury that sidelined him for the 2023-24 season, despite multiple rehabilitation attempts. Over his NHL career, he registered 20 goals and 58 assists in 291 games, culminating in a career-best 27 points during the 2021 season with the Canadiens. Wideman also had a notable stint in the KHL, where he was recognized as the league’s defenseman of the year.

Chris Wideman has retired after six NHL seasons, concluding his career primarily with the Canadiens, where he spent his last three seasons. He did not play in the 2023-24 campaign due to a back injury, despite extensive rehabilitation efforts. Wideman finished his career with 20 goals and 58 assists in 291 games, having previously played for multiple teams, including the Senators, and achieving a career-high 27 points during a season with the Canadiens. He was also recognized as the best defenceman in the KHL during a stint in Russia.

Chris Wideman was among the current and former Montreal Canadiens players who attended Brendan Gallagher's wedding, showing the close bond within the team.