Goaltender Jaroslav Halak retires after 17 years in the NHL, two years removed from last game

Goalkeeper Jaroslav Halak is officially hanging on skates. On Friday, the 40 -year -old announced his retirement after 17 seasons at the Nhl.

Halak’s last game was in 2023 as a member of the New York Rangers. He was then with Carolina Hurricanes in a professional test during the 2023-2024 season, but was released and never competed in a game.

“Last year I completed summer training … but when nothing came out, I told myself it didn’t make sense. After I didn’t even try,” said Halak to Dennik Sport from Slovakia, for translation. “I officially end up my career. I want to thank my family, friends, fans and especially my wife Petra, who has been by my side all my career.”

Halak was a ninth round of round in the NHL entry project in 2004 by the Montreal Canadiens, playing with them for four years. Then he played the St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, New York Islands, Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks and finally the Rangers.

In total, he has played in 581 NHL games, 555 begins, with a record 295-189-69, 53 children, a percentage of savings of .915 and an average of 2.50 goals.

“Two years have passed and I have reached an agreement not to reach 300 [wins]”The winner of the William M. Jennings Trophy said.” Looking back my career has been a good one. Would have been more beautiful with 300 wins but I will be satisfied with 295. “

Halak played in Slovakia at the Olympic Games in 2010 and 2014, and in 2016 he helped lead Team Europe to the Hockey World Cup Championship match.