Former Canucks defenceman Christian Ehrhoff coming out of retirement to play pro hockey again

No, the Canucks didn’t just get the first boost to their blue line of the offseason.

But yes, as the headline states, former NHL defenceman Christian Ehrhoff is coming out of retirement to play pro hockey once again. Ehrhoff, who is soon to be 41 years old, last played pro hockey in the German DEL for the Cologne Sharks, where he tallied eight goals and 23 assists through 52 games played back in the 2017-18 season.

Here’s what Ehrhoff, who is set to join the Krefeld Penguins of the DEL2 league, the second tier of men’s pro hockey in Germany, had to say about the decision. Note: this quote has been translated from the original news article, which was in German.

“After careful consideration over the past few weeks, I have made the decision to return from retirement. After saying goodbye to Adrian Grygiel in the playoffs and the emotional games that I witnessed live here in the arena, my fire was reignited and I sought out a conversation with my family. After I got her “Go” I approached Peer Schopp and the sporting management with my idea. We quickly agreed that despite all our convictions, we could only benefit from my comeback with hard work. I’m ready for that and I’m dying to be able to feel the unique Krefeld fans, the atmosphere of the Nord and the scenery in the hall on the ice again.”

Ehrhoff’s head coach with Krefeld will be Peter Draisaitl, who is the father of Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl.

Ehrhoff played 789 NHL games and spent two seasons with the Canucks after the club acquired him from the San Jose Sharks in 2009. The Sharks drafted Ehrhoff in the fourth round at 106th overall during the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. Ehrhoff bolstered the Canucks’ blue line big time in 2011, scoring 50 points in 72 regular season games, along with two goals and 10 assists through 23 playoff games.

Before retiring from NHL hockey, Ehrhoff had stops in Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, and Chicago before heading back home to Germany following the 2015-16 season.