Long-Time Stars Fan Favourite Announces NHL Retirement

After five memory-filled seasons with the Dallas Stars, Joe Pavelski is ready to hang up his skates. Although he refuses to say the 'r' word, the 40-year-old veteran has officially announced that his NHL playing days are over.

Stars News: Joe Pavelski Announces NHL Retirement

On Tuesday, Pavelski appeared on SiriusXM's "NHL Morning Skate" to reveal that it's time for him to retire from hockey. "I'm ready to step away from the game on the playing side of things," the former All-Star announced to listeners. "There's no plan to play. I didn't want to use the 'r' word, I guess, right away... I wanted just a little bit of extra time to think about it."

Pavelski spent the first 13 years of his NHL career with the San Jose Sharks before spending the final five with the Stars, tallying 476 goals, 592 assist, and 1,068 points across 1,332 games. The Plover, WI native also registered 143 points (74 goals, 69 assists) in 201 postseason contests.

Pavelski's retirement doesn't come as a surprise, though. Not only did he just turn 40 years old, but he also told reporters following the 2023-24 playoffs that "the plan is to not play next year."

"I'm going to need a little bit of time to really put it together and figure it out that way. Most likely that was it and couldn't ask for a better opportunity and a better group of guys to be around."

- Joe Pavelski on retiring in June

While most players' skills tend to fade with age, Pavelski played at a high level during his time with the Stars. He played at a 0.83 point-per-game pace throughout five seasons, which is impressive given that he averaged 0.79 PPG during his San Jose years. Even more impressive is that he didn't even miss a single game from 2020 to 2024.

The Stars reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2020 for the first time in 20 years and Pavelski played a big role in that accomplishment. The ex-Wisconsin Badger tallied 19 points in 27 playoff games and shared the team lead with five points in the Cup Final, which Dallas lost in six games to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Unfortunately, that was the last time Pavelski came that close to winning a Stanley Cup ring.

Hopefully, the former 12-time 25-goal scorer enjoys his well-deserved retirement. And, who knows? Perhaps he'll find himself in off-ice job with the Stars down the line.

For now — Congrats on a great career, Joe!