Free Agent Joe Pavelski Announces His Future Hockey Plans
Long-time NHL forward Joe Pavelski has confirmed what many hockey fans have already known, his professional hockey career in the NHL has come to a close.
After his Dallas Stars were eliminated in Game 6 of the Western Conference final losing to the Edmonton Oilers, it seemed all but certain the hockey world has seen the last of Pavelski.
Pavelski made an appearance on the NHL Morning skate revealing that he was officially done playing professionally in the NHL.
Pavelski who turns 40 in July, was the NHL's second-oldest player this season behind Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Mark Giordano. The Wisconsin native, had another solid 2023-24 season for the Stars, his fifth with the franchise. In 82 games, he scored 27 goals and 67 points. His age began to show during the playoffs, with the speed of the game looking like it was too much for Pavelski at times. During the Stars 19 game playoff run, Pavelski only produced 1 goal and 4 points.
Dallas head coach Pete DeBoer called it a privilege to coach Pavelski during his post game presser. This was DeBoer's second time coaching Joe, who had him in San Jose. DeBoer credited Joe for helping him communicate with players and help sell the team's vision on the right way to play to have success.
«Our young players are all better for having been around a guy like that.»
Pavelski never got the chance to capture the Stanley Cup but does hold the record for most playoff goals by an American born player with 74. He reached the Stanley Cup Final twice in his career: in 2016 with the Sharks and in 2020 with the Stars.
He finishes his career with 1,332 NHL regular season games played, scoring 476 goals and 1,068 points. He suited up for two NHL teams, the San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars. Not bad for a seventh round pick from 2003.
Everyone at BladeofSteel wishes Pavelski all the best in retirement!
Source: HockeyDB
| POLL | ||
Does Joe Pavelski belong in the Hockey Hall of Fame? | ||
| Yes, holds records for American born player | 57 | 70.4 % |
| No, didn't capture the ultimate prize in hockey | 24 | 29.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
