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Former St. Louis Blues Goaltender Officially Announces Retirement from NHL…see more…
After an impressive NHL career spanning over a decade, former St. Louis Blues goaltender Brian Elliott has officially announced his retirement from professional hockey. The 39-year-old netminder, affectionately known as “Moose” by fans and teammates alike, made the announcement on Friday through a statement shared by the NHL Players’ Association.
Elliott leaves the game after 16 NHL seasons, during which he played for five different teams, including the Ottawa Senators, Colorado Avalanche, St. Louis Blues, Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers, and most recently, the Tampa Bay Lightning. His best years came in St. Louis, where he formed a formidable tandem with fellow goaltender Jaroslav Halák and later Jake Allen.
“After much thought and reflection, I’ve decided that it’s time to hang up the pads and move on to the next chapter of life,” Elliott said in his statement. “I’m incredibly grateful for every moment I had playing the game I love at the highest level. From being drafted to stepping onto NHL ice for the first time, to playing in the playoffs and representing my country—this journey has been a dream come true.”
Elliott was selected 291st overall in the ninth round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft by the Ottawa Senators. Few could have predicted then that he would go on to carve out a lengthy and successful NHL career. He made his debut with the Senators in 2007-08 and became a full-time NHL goalie in 2009-10.
It wasn’t until he joined the St. Louis Blues in 2011 that Elliott truly found his stride. During his five seasons with the Blues, he earned two All-Star Game selections (2012, 2015) and led the NHL in save percentage (.940) and goals-against average (1.56) during the lockout-shortened 2011-12 season. That year, he and Halák also shared the Jennings Trophy, awarded to the goaltending duo with the fewest goals allowed.
Elliott posted a 104-46-16 record during his time in St. Louis and remains among the franchise leaders in several statistical categories. His quiet consistency, calm demeanor under pressure, and strong work ethic made him a fan favorite and a respected voice in the locker room.
“Brian was a stabilizing presence for us,” former Blues coach Ken Hitchcock once said. “He competed hard, prepared the right way, and gave our team a chance to win every night.”
While Elliott never captured a Stanley Cup, he did play a key role in several deep playoff runs. Perhaps most notably, he backstopped the Blues during their 2016 playoff campaign, which saw them reach the Western Conference Final before falling to the San Jose Sharks in six games.
After being traded to Calgary in the summer of 2016, Elliott went on to have short stints with the Flames and Flyers, before signing with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2021. Serving as a backup to Andrei Vasilevskiy, Elliott embraced a mentorship role while continuing to perform when called upon.
His career totals are impressive: 282 wins in 543 NHL appearances, with a 2.57 goals-against average, .909 save percentage, and 44 shutouts. He also represented Team Canada at the 2015 IIHF World Championships, helping his country capture gold.
Beyond the numbers, Elliott’s legacy is defined by professionalism, perseverance, and humility. Teammates often spoke about his supportive nature, his commitment to preparation, and his willingness to mentor younger players. Even in backup roles later in his career, Elliott was widely praised for his leadership and team-first attitude.
Current St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong released a statement congratulating Elliott on his retirement: “Brian Elliott was an important part of our organization during some very competitive years. His contributions on and off the ice helped shape the culture we still value today. We wish him and his family nothing but the best in retirement.”
Elliott also took time in his farewell message to thank his wife Amanda, their children, and his parents for their support throughout his journey.
“No one gets to this level alone. I’ve been fortunate to have an incredible support system behind me. From family and friends to coaches and teammates—I owe so much to everyone who believed in me and helped me along the way,” he wrote.
With retirement now official, Elliott hinted at staying involved in the sport in some capacity. While he didn’t specify whether that meant coaching, broadcasting, or front-office work, he expressed a desire to give back to the hockey community that gave him so much.
“I’m excited to stay close to the game and help the next generation of players reach their goals,” he said. “Hockey has given me everything, and I hope to pay it forward in the years ahead.”
Fans in St. Louis and around the league have taken to social media to share their appreciation for Elliott’s career, using the hashtag #ThankYouMoose to celebrate the goaltender’s contributions. Tributes poured in from former teammates and coaches, many noting Elliott’s blend of competitiveness and humility as key to his long-lasting impact.
While Brian Elliott never chased headlines or sought the spotlight, his impact on and off the ice is undeniable. He retires as one of the most reliable and respected goaltenders of his era—proof that dedication, resilience, and character can carry a player far beyond what draft rankings might predict.
As Elliott begins his post-playing journey, the hockey world thanks him for 16 seasons of professiona
lism, passion, and poise between the pipes.
