Two-time Stanley Cup champion Jeff Carter announces retirement

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Cooper Godin
April 18, 2024 (8:43)

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Jeff Carter has spent a long time in the National Hockey League and has been a fan favourite, especially during his time with the Los Angeles Kings. But now, with the Pittsburgh Penguins' season coming to an end on Wednesday night, Carter has used this as an opportunity to make a big announcement.

After 19 seasons in the National Hockey League with the Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Los Angeles Kings and Pittsburgh Penguins, Jeff Carter has announced his retirement.

Following Wednesday's game, the New York Islanders stayed on the ice and went over to Jeff Carter to shake his hand and congratulate him on a solid career in the National Hockey League.

"Every member of the Islanders shook hands with Jeff Carter before leaving the ice in what could be his final NHL game 🥺"

Once he got back to the dressing room, Carter spoke with reporters and touched on a number of topics including his decision to retire, what he plans on doing post-hockey and if he'll remain in the city of Pittsburgh.

"I'm going to be a dad. You miss a lot being a hockey player - you're in and out in a way... My family sacrificed a lot for me to live out my dream. I'm going to be home and be a dad and then figure it out from there." Carter said.

He added, "Yeah, we're staying. We moved here in August full-time. We've loved it. It's been a great fit for our family. It's central to both our extended families. It has worked out really well."

Carter was also asked about his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins and what it was like to score in his final game in the National Hockey League.

"I still remember walking in that first day and it was like I was there for five years. It's an unbelievable group here, high-character guys. They just accepted me right away, my family right away. It really is a family here." He said.

Carter went on to add, when asked about scoring in his final game, "That was really nice. When Sully put me out there, I knew I wasn't leaving the net... Pretty special moment to get one there at the end. Something I'll remember, for sure."

The London, Ontario native recorded 851 points (442 goals, 409 assists) and 635 penalty minutes in 1,321 regular season games. He also had 84 points in 133 playoff games, winning the Stanley Cup twice as a member of the Los Angeles Kings.

On the international stage, Carter represented Canada on several occasions including the 2014 Winter Olympics where he took home the gold medal and had five points in six games.

There's no doubt that Jeff Carter has had an incredible career in both the NHL and internationally, but it'll be interesting to see if he'll eventually be voted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.