Jaroslav Halak Announces Retirement After 17 Seasons in the NHL
Veteran goaltender Jaroslav Halak, best remembered for his spectacular performance with the Montreal Canadiens during the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs, has officially retired from professional hockey after a 17-season career in the NHL.
The 38-year-old Slovak netminder made the announcement, bringing the curtain down on a career that spanned nearly two decades and included stints with several NHL franchises. Halak played for the Canadiens, St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, New York Islanders, Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks, and most recently, the New York Rangers.
Halak was drafted 271st overall by Montreal in the ninth round of the 2003 NHL Draft. Though his draft position suggested modest expectations, he quickly rose through the ranks, eventually earning a spot on the Canadiensโ roster in 2006. However, it was the 2009โ10 season that cemented his legacy in hockey history. During the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Halak led the underdog Canadiens to a stunning upset over the top-seeded Washington Capitals in the first round, making 53 saves in a memorable Game 6 and shutting the door again in Game 7. He continued his heroics by helping eliminate the defending champion Pittsburgh Penguins in the following round.
His playoff run became one of the most iconic in Canadiens history, and although Montreal would eventually fall to the Philadelphia Flyers in the Eastern Conference Final, Halakโs efforts were hailed as legendary. That postseason performance earned him a trade to the St. Louis Blues, where he would continue his consistent and reliable play for several more seasons.
Throughout his NHL career, Halak amassed 295 regular-season wins, a .916 save percentage, and a 2.50 goals-against average in 581 games. He also appeared in 39 playoff contests, posting a .922 save percentage and gaining a reputation as a calm, technically sound goaltender who thrived under pressure.
In recent years, Halak embraced a mentorship role, serving as a dependable backup and veteran presence for younger goalies. Despite not signing with a team during the 2023โ24 season, he remained open to returning, but ultimately chose to hang up his skates.
Reflecting on his career, Halak thanked his family, teammates, coaches, and fans for their unwavering support. His journey from late-round draft pick to playoff hero and seasoned veteran leaves a lasting impression in the hockey world and in the hearts of Canadiens fans.
As he steps away from the ice, Jaroslav Halakโs legacy remains etched in NHL loreโproof that perseverance, grit, and seizing the moment can define a career.