Halak Hangs Up the Pads: Veteran Goalie Retires After 17 NHL Seasons

Jul 18, 2025, 11:46 AM ET

Jaroslav Halak hangs Up His Skates: A Storied 17-Year NHL Career Concludes

After a distinguished 17-year tenure in the National Hockey League, veteran goaltender Jaroslav Halak officially announced his retirement from professional hockey this Friday. The announcement comes more than two years after his last appearance on the ice,marking a significant moment for the popular netminder.

Halak, who celebrated his 40th birthday prior to this announcement, last suited up for the New York Rangers on April 13, 2023. While he participated in a professional tryout with the Carolina Hurricanes early in the 2023-24 season, he ultimately did not play in any games for the team.

“Last year, I completed my summer training, but when nothing materialized, I realized it was ultimately pointless.From that point on, I stopped actively pursuing opportunities,” Halak shared in an interview with Slovakia’s Dennik Sport, as translated. “I am officially concluding my career.I want to express my deepest gratitude to my family, friends, fans, adn especially my wife Petra, who has been my unwavering support throughout my entire professional journey.”

Throughout his illustrious NHL career, Halak carved out a legacy as one of the league’s most reliable goaltenders. He earned the William M. Jennings Trophy twice, awarded to the goaltenders on the team that allowed the fewest goals in a season. His career statistics are impressive, boasting a record of 295 wins, 189 losses, and 69 ties, coupled with 53 shutouts. He maintained a stellar 2.50 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage over 581 games played, with 555 starts.

Halak donned the sweaters of numerous NHL franchises, including the Montreal Canadiens, St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, New York Islanders, Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks, and the New York Rangers. Reflecting on his career, Halak expressed a sense of contentment, acknowledging that while reaching the 300-win milestone would have been a nice addition, he is proud of his achievements.

“It’s been two years, and I’ve come to terms with not reaching 300 wins,” Halak stated. “Looking back, it’s been a good career. It would have been sweeter with 300 wins, but I’ll be happy with 295.”

Beyond his NHL exploits, Halak represented his home country of Slovakia on the international stage, competing in the 2010 and 2014 Olympic games. He also played a pivotal role in guiding Team Europe to the championship game of the prestigious World Cup of Hockey in 2016, further cementing his place as a respected figure in the global hockey community.

Halak’s retirement marks the end of an era for many fans who followed his career. His longevity, consistency, and presence in net earned him widespread admiration. As he transitions to life after hockey, his contributions to the game will undoubtedly be remembered, showcasing the dedication and skill required to thrive at the highest level for nearly two decades. The pursuit of elite performance, as exemplified by Halak, involves not just talent but also relentless dedication and the ability to adapt and persevere through the highs and lows inherent in professional sports.

What impact did Halak’s 2009-2010 playoff run have on his career trajectory?

A Storied Career Comes to an End

Jaroslav Halak, a name synonymous with reliable goaltending and clutch performances, has announced his retirement from the National Hockey League after 17 seasons. The announcement, made on July 18, 2025, marks the end of a career that saw Halak become a fan favorite across multiple franchises. Throughout his NHL journey, Halak consistently demonstrated exceptional skill, mental fortitude, and a dedication to the game. This retirement signals the end of an era for a goaltender known for his competitive spirit and consistent play.

Early Years and NHL Debut

Halak’s professional hockey journey began in the Slovak Extraliga before being drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the ninth round (271st overall) of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He spent several seasons honing his skills in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Hamilton Bulldogs before making his NHL debut with Montreal in 2006.

Key Early Teams: Montreal Canadiens, St. Louis Blues

Draft Position: 9th Round, 271st Overall (2003 NHL Entry Draft)

His early years where marked by development and learning, patiently waiting for his opportunity to become a full-time NHL goaltender.

Breakthrough Seasons and Notable Performances

Halak’s breakthrough came during the 2009-2010 season with the Montreal Canadiens. Stepping in for an injured Carey Price, Halak led the Canadiens on a surprising playoff run, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

2009-2010 Playoff Run: Led Montreal to the Eastern Conference Final.

Career Save Percentage: .916 (as of retirement)

Career GAA: 2.50 (as of retirement)

This performance solidified his reputation as a capable and reliable NHL goaltender. He continued to excel with the St. Louis Blues, where he formed a strong tandem with Brian Elliott.

A Journey Through Multiple Franchises

Following his time in Montreal and St.Louis, Halak embarked on a journey that took him to several NHL franchises, demonstrating his adaptability and consistent performance. He played for the Washington Capitals, New York Islanders, Boston Bruins, and the Colorado Avalanche.

Hear’s a breakdown of his team affiliations:

1. Montreal Canadiens (2006-2010)
2. St. Louis Blues (2010-2014)
3. Washington Capitals (2014-2015)
4. New York Islanders (2015-2018)
5. Boston Bruins (2018-2021)
6. Colorado Avalanche (2021-2025)

Each stop along the way saw Halak contribute valuable minutes and consistently deliver solid goaltending. His veteran presence was frequently enough praised by teammates and coaches alike.

Key Stats and Career Highlights

Throughout his 17-year NHL career, Halak amassed notable statistics and achieved several notable milestones.

Games Played: 515

Wins: 286

Shutouts: 52

Playoff Appearances: 58 games

Notable Awards/Honors: Nominated for the vezina Trophy (2010)

These numbers reflect his longevity and consistent performance at the highest level of professional hockey. He consistently ranked among the league’s top goaltenders in save percentage and goals-against average.

Impact on the Game and Legacy

Jaroslav Halak’s impact on the game extends beyond his statistics. He was known for his calm demeanor, strong work ethic, and ability to mentor younger goaltenders. His consistent performance provided stability for his teams, and his clutch saves often swung games in their favor.

Mentorship: Known for guiding and supporting younger goalies.

Professionalism: Highly regarded for his dedication and work ethic.

Reliability: Consistently delivered solid performances throughout his career.

Halak leaves behind a legacy as a dependable and respected goaltender who consistently exceeded expectations. He will be remembered as a true professional and a valuable asset to every team he played for. His career serves as an inspiration to aspiring goaltenders,demonstrating the importance of perseverance,dedication,and a strong work ethic.

Halak’s Goaltending Style: A Closer Look

Halak was known for his positional play and butterfly style. He wasn’t the biggest goaltender,standing at 6’3″,but he compensated with exceptional reflexes and speedy movements.

Positional Goaltending: focused on reading plays and positioning himself effectively.

Butterfly Style: Utilized a strong butterfly technique to cover the net.

rebound Control: Excellent at controlling rebounds and minimizing second-chance opportunities.

His ability to anticipate plays and react quickly made him a difficult opponent for shooters.He was also adept at playing the puck,often initiating breakouts from behind the net.

The Future for Halak

While Halak has hung up his skates as a player, his future in hockey remains open. Many speculate he may pursue a career