HIGHLIGHTS
- 18-year NHL veteran Joe Pavelski announces retirement at age 40
- 1,068 career points, 7th round pick to Sharks legend, Stars leader
- Pavelski mentored the next generation, leaving a lasting legacy on and off the ice
After an incredible 18 seasons in the NHL, Joe Pavelski has officially announced his retirement from professional hockey at age 40.
From game 1 to game 964 to game 1,332 and beyond, your impact on hockey, the @NHL, the @SanJoseSharks and the Stars has no bounds.
Thank you for everything and congratulations on an incredible career, @jpav8 💚 pic.twitter.com/2fLq0s6yku
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) July 22, 2024
The former San Jose Sharks captain and Dallas Stars veteran leaves behind an impressive legacy, even if he fell just short of capturing that elusive Stanley Cup.
Pavelski, affectionately known as “Little Joe” and “Captain America”, was drafted by the Sharks in the 7th round back in 2003.
The undersized but tenacious forward quickly proved the doubters wrong, becoming one of the greatest Sharks of all time. He led the team to their first Stanley Cup Finals appearance in 2016.
In his later years, Pavelski continued to be a productive player well into his late 30s. In the 2021-22 season at age 37, he put up an impressive 81 points for the Stars. This past season, at age 40, he was one of the oldest active players in the NHL.
While Pavelski was never able to hoist Lord Stanley’s Cup, he still had a profound impact on the game and his teammates. In his final few seasons with the Stars, he took rookie sensation Wyatt Johnston under his wing, even housing the 19-year-old in his guest room.
Pavelski, a master at tipping pucks in front of the net, passed on his knowledge to his young protégé. “I’ve just been trying to ask him a million questions, pick his brain and learn as much as I can from him,” Johnston said of living and learning from Pavelski.
Over his storied career, Pavelski played in 1,332 regular season games, notching 476 goals and 592 assists for 1,068 points. He added another 75 points in 161 playoff games and holds the record for most postseason goals by an American-born player with 74.
Pavelski also proudly represented the United States on the international stage, winning a silver medal at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. He later served as captain of Team USA at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
As he hangs up his skates for good, Pavelski expressed his gratitude, especially to the Sharks organization where he spent his first 13 NHL seasons.
Though he didn’t get a chance to bring a championship to San Jose, his legacy and impact on the franchise and the game of hockey is undeniable.
Happy trails in retirement, Pavs!
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