5 Shocking Facts About Brad Richardson: From Stanley Cup Glory To Marrying A Gossip Girl Star In 2024
The life of a professional athlete is often a tale of two halves: the intense, competitive years on the ice, and the transition to a new life after the final whistle. For Canadian former professional ice hockey centre Brad Richardson, that second chapter began recently, and it’s arguably just as fascinating as his 17-season run in the National Hockey League (NHL). As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the veteran forward has officially hung up his skates, shifting his focus to family life and a newfound passion for golf, all while celebrating a major personal milestone.
This article dives deep into the career and current life of Bradley Benjamin Stanley Richardson, exploring the surprising twists and turns that followed his Stanley Cup victory and his recent, high-profile marriage to a famous Hollywood actress, giving fans the freshest update on what the versatile centre is doing now.
Bradley Benjamin Stanley Richardson: Full Biography & Profile
Brad Richardson, known throughout his career for his versatility, defensive reliability, and exceptional work on the face-off dot, carved out a remarkable career in the NHL before his official retirement.
- Full Name: Bradley Benjamin Stanley Richardson
- Date of Birth: February 4, 1985
- Age (as of late 2024): 39 years old
- Hometown: Belleville, Ontario, Canada
- Nationality: Canadian
- Height: 6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
- Weight: 190 lbs (86 kg)
- Position: Centre (C) / Right Wing (RW)
- NHL Draft: Selected by the Colorado Avalanche in the fourth round (163rd overall) of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.
- NHL Career Span: 2005–2022 (17 seasons)
- Major Achievement: Stanley Cup Champion (Los Angeles Kings, 2012)
- Current Status: Retired Professional Ice Hockey Player
The 17-Season Grind: A Stanley Cup Win and Six NHL Teams
Richardson’s 17-season NHL journey was a testament to his grit, defensive prowess, and ability to be a reliable depth player for multiple contenders. His career saw him amass 869 regular-season games, tallying 111 goals and 143 assists for a total of 254 points. While he may not have been a perennial top-line scorer, his value lay in his two-way play and his role as a physical, energetic presence.
His professional career began after being drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in 2003. He spent three seasons with the Avalanche before being traded to the Los Angeles Kings, where he would achieve the pinnacle of hockey success.
The Los Angeles Kings and the 2012 Stanley Cup
The unquestionable highlight of Richardson's career came during his tenure with the Los Angeles Kings. He played a crucial role on the Kings' checking line, contributing to the team's historic 2012 Stanley Cup victory. His performance during the 2012 playoff run, where he appeared in 13 games and registered two points (one goal and one assist), showcased his importance as a versatile forward who could be trusted in high-pressure situations. This Stanley Cup ring cemented his legacy as a champion in the NHL.
Following his time in Los Angeles, Richardson became a true journeyman, providing veteran leadership and defensive stability to several franchises. His subsequent NHL stops included the Vancouver Canucks (where he had a notable season scoring 11 goals in 2013-14), the Arizona Coyotes, the Nashville Predators, and a brief return to the Calgary Flames and the Canucks to close out his playing days in 2022.
From the Rink to the Altar: Brad Richardson's Fresh 2024 Life
The most recent and attention-grabbing news surrounding Brad Richardson centers on his personal life, which took a major turn after his final NHL season in 2022. While his retirement was confirmed, the details of his post-hockey life are what make his story so fresh and unique in 2025.
The Hollywood Connection: Marrying Jessica Szohr
In a surprising twist for many hockey fans, Brad Richardson is married to Hollywood actress Jessica Szohr, best known for her role as Vanessa Abrams in the hit television series Gossip Girl. The couple went Instagram-official in 2019 and welcomed their first child, a daughter named Bowie Ella Richardson, in January 2021.
The biggest update came in August 2024, when the couple officially tied the knot in a private ceremony, a union that brought together the worlds of professional sports and entertainment. The wedding was a star-studded affair, with actress Nina Dobrev serving as a bridesmaid, adding another layer of celebrity intrigue to Richardson's life after hockey.
New Passions: Golf and Post-Retirement Activities
With his professional hockey career concluded, Richardson has been openly pursuing a new passion: golf. The transition from the high-intensity physicality of the NHL to the strategic calm of the golf course has become a common theme for many retired hockey players, and Richardson is no exception. He is now actively involved in amateur golf circuits.
In a very recent update from late 2024, Richardson was listed as a participant in the Grass League (GL), a golf organization, where he was teamed up with Jack Boulger for a tournament involving the San Diego Munis. This shows that the former NHL veteran is embracing his retirement by channeling his competitive spirit into a new, albeit less physically punishing, sport. His focus on family and golf represents a peaceful and well-earned second act after a long, successful, and often brutal career on the ice.
5 Key Takeaways From Brad Richardson's Career and Life
Brad Richardson's journey is a fantastic example of a player who maximized his potential and has successfully transitioned to a fulfilling life after hockey. Here are the five most important facts that define his career and current status:
- A Champion's Longevity: He played an impressive 17 seasons in the NHL, a rare feat that speaks to his consistency, work ethic, and ability to adapt to different team systems and roles.
- The Stanley Cup King: His 2012 Stanley Cup win with the Los Angeles Kings remains the pinnacle of his achievement, confirming his status as an NHL champion.
- A Versatile Veteran: Richardson was renowned for his defensive forward play, excelling in key metrics like face-off win percentage and penalty killing—skills that kept him employed for nearly two decades.
- The 2024 Hollywood Wedding: His marriage to actress Jessica Szohr in August 2024 is the freshest and most significant personal update, placing him in the public eye outside of the sports world.
- New Chapter, New Sport: Post-retirement, Richardson has fully embraced golf, with recent participation in the Grass League in late 2024, signaling his new competitive outlet.
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