Girardi played in the 2012 NHL All-Star Game, his team made the postseason in 12 of his 13 seasons, and he helped the Rangers advance to the 2014 Stanley Cup Final, which they lost in five games to the Los Angeles Kings.
"We all love to play the game and have done it our whole lives," New York defenseman Marc Staal said, "and he's a competitive and passionate guy that loved coming to the rink. I was feeling for him in that way because you're going to miss that, but I was happy for him and respect that he had an incredible career. He worked extremely hard for everything he got. He earned everything he got in the game. I was happy and proud to be able to play with him for as long as I did in a Ranger uniform. That's something that will have for the rest of our lives. He was an incredible teammate."
Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist said, "He's one of my all-time favorite teammates the way he played the game. ... We had so much success together. I think we helped each other a lot the way I competed and the way he competed. I always knew what to get from him for so many years. I admired how he played. He was a huge part of this team's success over so many years. Great career. I'm really happy for him. He played a lot of good years. I just want to wish him the best."
Since the start of the 2005-06 season, Girardi's 1,954 blocked shots are the most of any player in the NHL.
"On behalf of the entire Rangers organization, I want to congratulate Dan on an outstanding NHL career," New York senior adviser and alternate governor Glen Sather said. "Dan was the ultimate warrior. From the moment he joined the Rangers, he gave his heart and soul to his teammates, the organization, and the fans. Dan's relentless effort and dedication to the Rangers was an inspiration to everyone. The accomplishments we achieved during Dan's tenure with the Rangers -- which included two division championships, a Presidents' Trophy, and a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2014 -- would not have been possible without his immeasurable contributions."
Girardi led the Lightning in blocked shots (263) during his two seasons with Tampa Bay and was first among Lightning defensemen in hits (284).
"On behalf of the Lightning players, coaches and the entire staff I'd like to congratulate Dan on a wonderful career," Tampa Bay general manager Julien BriseBois said. "Dan's commitment to the game and his willingness to sacrifice himself for the good of his team earned him the respect of teammates and fans alike during 13 seasons in the NHL, while his personality and sense of humor created a lasting legacy off the ice."
