Former Canucks Goalie Jaroslav Halak Announces Retirement After 18 NHL Seasons…see more…
After nearly two decades in the NHL, veteran goaltender Jaroslav Halak officially announced his retirement on Thursday, closing the chapter on a remarkable 18-year professional hockey career that spanned five NHL teams, multiple international tournaments, and a reputation as one of the league’s most consistent and underrated netminders.
Halak, 40, last played during the 2022-23 season with the New York Rangers, appearing in 25 games as Igor Shesterkin’s backup. Despite a relatively quiet final season, Halak continued to provide steady goaltending into his 40s, a testament to his professionalism and dedication to the game.
In a statement released through the NHL Players’ Association, Halak expressed gratitude to teammates, coaches, fans, and his family: “It has been an incredible journey. Hockey has given me more than I could ever imagine — friendships, lessons, and experiences that shaped me as a player and person. I’m proud of everything I achieved and am thankful for everyone who supported me along the way.”
From Bratislava to NHL Stardom
Born in Bratislava, Slovakia, Halak began his journey as a ninth-round pick (271st overall) by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. His long odds of making the league never fazed him. Known for his calm demeanor, quick reflexes, and exceptional lateral movement, Halak rapidly ascended through the Canadiens’ minor league system and made his NHL debut in 2007.
Halak’s breakout season came during the 2009–10 playoffs when he backstopped the eighth-seeded Canadiens to a stunning upset over the President’s Trophy-winning Washington Capitals, posting a 53-save performance in Game 6 and leading Montreal to the Eastern Conference Final. That run cemented his status as a fan favorite in Montreal and showcased his ability to deliver under pressure.
Despite his playoff heroics, the Canadiens opted to stick with Carey Price, trading Halak to the St. Louis Blues in 2010. It was a decision that sparked considerable debate at the time, but it opened a new chapter in Halak’s career.
A Steady Presence Across Multiple Teams
Halak played four seasons with the Blues, forming a formidable tandem with Brian Elliott and helping turn St. Louis into a perennial playoff team. Though the Blues never made a deep run during his tenure, Halak’s stability in net gave the franchise consistency it had long lacked.
After short stints with the Buffalo Sabres and Washington Capitals, Halak signed with the New York Islanders in 2014. It was with the Islanders that Halak set a franchise record for wins in a single season (38) in 2014–15. Over four seasons on Long Island, he helped the team return to playoff relevance and mentored young goalies, including Thomas Greiss and Ilya Sorokin in later years.
In 2018, Halak joined the Boston Bruins, taking on a backup role to Tuukka Rask. Together, the two formed one of the league’s best goalie tandems, with Halak often playing more than a traditional backup. He was instrumental during Boston’s run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2019, stepping in when needed and earning praise for his reliability.
Halak’s final full-time role came with the Vancouver Canucks in the 2021–22 season, where he appeared in 17 games. Though the team struggled overall, Halak was valued for his veteran presence in the locker room and his professionalism.
He concluded his career with the Rangers, adding one more playoff appearance to his résumé and mentoring Shesterkin during his final NHL campaign.
An Underrated Career Worth Celebrating
Over 581 NHL games, Halak compiled a record of 293–189–69 with a 2.50 goals-against average, a .915 save percentage, and 53 shutouts. While he was never considered a Vezina Trophy frontrunner, his consistency and longevity made him one of the most dependable goaltenders of his generation.
He ranks among the top 40 all-time in wins and is one of only a handful of Slovak goalies to make a lasting impact in the NHL. Halak also represented Slovakia on numerous international stages, including the Olympics and World Championships. He helped Slovakia to a fourth-place finish at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and was a standout for Team Europe during the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, where his brilliant play helped them reach the final.
Reactions from the Hockey World
Tributes poured in from across the hockey community after Halak’s retirement announcement. Former teammate Zdeno Chara called him “the ultimate professional and competitor,” while the Canadiens’ official X (formerly Twitter) account posted highlights of his legendary playoff performances.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also acknowledged Halak’s retirement with a brief statement: “Jaroslav Halak’s career is a testament to what hard work and perseverance can achieve. He was a valued player across multiple franchises and a respected competitor throughout the league.”
Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet, who worked briefly with Halak during the 2021–22 season, praised his leadership: “Even late in his career, Jaro was the kind of guy who made everyone around him better — on and off the ice.”
Life After Hockey
Halak has not yet announced his plans post-retirement, but sources close to the former netminder suggest he may pursue a career in coaching or goalie development, particularly with youth programs in Slovakia. He has long expressed interest in giving back to the game in his home country and mentoring the next generation of goaltenders.
Whether he ends up behind a bench or in a front-office role, Halak leaves behind a legacy defined by humility, resilience, and excellence between the pipes. Though never the flashiest name on a roster, he was the kind of player every team wanted — dependable, disciplined, and deeply respected.
As Halak closes this chapter, hockey fans from Montreal to Vancouver, from Boston to Bratislava, tip their caps to a goalie who q
uietly put together a career worth celebrating.
