Joe Pavelski retires after 18 seasons

[Brewin Flames]

Stars' Joe Pavelski walking away after 18 seasons

• 
  Ryan S. Clark, NHL reporterJun 4, 2024, 01:05 PM ET

 

Dallas Stars forward Joe Pavelski said Tuesday that he will not play next season while adding, "this is it for me."

 

While Pavelski did not outright say he was retiring from the NHL, he did tell reporters during the Stars' exit interviews that he had known for a while that the 2023-24 season would probably be his final campaign.

 

Pavelski, who turns 40 in July, was the NHL's second-oldest player this season behind Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Mark Giordano. He was in his fifth season with a Stars team that was one of the favorites to win the Stanley Cup, a trophy that had eluded Pavelski during his 18-year career.

 

A 2-1 loss Sunday to the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference final ended the Stars' season and was the start of questions about Pavelski's future. Stars players such as captain Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, and Wyatt Johnston, who has lived with Pavelski and his family, were all emotional when answering questions about if this could have been Pavelski's last game.

 

Pavelski, who was slated to be an unrestricted free agent, finished with five shots on goal while logging 16:50 of ice time in what appears to be his final game.

 

Stars coach Pete DeBoer, who previously coached Pavelski when they were with the San Jose Sharks, also addressed the reality that Game 6 may have been Pavelski's last.

 

"I don't know if it'll be Joe's last game or not, but it was an absolute privilege of my coaching career to coach a guy like that," DeBoer said after Game 6. "Our young players are all better for having been around a guy like that."

 

Pavelski told ESPN during the team's second-round series against the Colorado Avalanche that he was "kind of living in the moment right now, but I'm not too worried about it" when he was asked about his future beyond this season.

 

Stars general manager Jim Nill also told ESPN during the second round that Pavelski didn't want his future to be a distraction.

 

"He's going to know," Nill said. "There comes a time when your body, your mind -- you just say it's enough."

 

A seventh-round pick by the Sharks in 2003, the Plover, Wisconsin, native would become both a future captain and one of the franchise's all-time greats. He spent two seasons at the University of Wisconsin before embarking on a career that saw him finish with 476 goals and 1,068 points in 1,332 regular-season games while having 74 goals and 143 points in 201 playoff games.

 

Pavelski's performances helped the Sharks remain one of the NHL's long-term Stanley Cup contenders. The club reached four conference finals and one Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2016 when they lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

 

The Sharks reached the conference final in 2019 when they lost to the eventual Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues. That would be the Sharks' most recent playoff appearance and it was also Pavelski's last with the club.

He left the Sharks and signed a three-year contract with the Stars.

 

Pavelski and the Stars reached the Stanley Cup Final in his first season when they ultimately lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Following a one-year hiatus, the Stars returned to the playoffs in 2021-22 but lost in the first round.

 

With veterans such as Benn, Pavelski and Seguin, the Stars were gradually supplementing that group with young homegrown talents such as Miro Heiskanen, Roope Hintz, Jake Oettinger and Johnston. It created a roster that saw the Stars reach the conference final in 2023. They lost to the Vegas Golden Knights but affirmed their place as a serious title challenger.

 

His time captaining the Sharks led to him joining an already established leadership group in Dallas. Pavelski's role as a leader also allowed him to work with younger players such as Johnston and Logan Stankoven while providing an additional voice for teammates in need of support.

 

"He cares about our players. He cares about everyone and wants to see us succeed," Jason Robertson told ESPN. "It definitely shows his character and his leadership. That's something that will definitely follow him throughout his whole life."

[mojo1917]

I always liked Pavelski.

He was very, very, good player, Hall of Fame? need the Keltner test on him, I think.

He was a class act his whole career. I'm glad I got to watch him play hockey.

a 7th round pick? Not too shabby.

21 years later he's still able to play the game at the highest level.

just awesome.

 

 

[JR Ewing]

27 minutes ago, mojo1917 said:

He was very, very, good player, Hall of Fame? need the Keltner test on him, I think.

 

Good idea.

 

 1. Was he ever commonly thought of as the best player in hockey while he played?
No
 
2. Was he ever commonly thought of as the best player at his position while he played?
No
 
3. Was he ever among the top 10 leaders in any key stats? (G, A, Pts, W, SO, etc)
Yes. He had top 10 finishes in goals (3x), points (2x)
(1)

 

4. Did the player ever lead the league in any key stats? (G, A, Pts, W, SO, etc)
No (1)
 
5. Did he ever have an impact on a deep playoff run?
Yes. In 2016, he led the playoffs in goals in a Finals loss to the Pens and was a big part of Dallas' loss in the Finals to Tampa in 2020. (2)
 
6. Was he a key member of a Stanley Cup winner?
No (2)

 

7. Was he ever a team Captain?
Yes, he was Sharks captain from 2016 to 2019 (3)
 
8. Was he ever team Captain of a Stanley Cup winner?
No (3)

 

9. Did many regard him to be an excellent defensive player?
In his 18 years in the NHL, he received Selke votes in 14 seasons. I'd give him a 'yes' here. (4)
 
10. Did many regard his physical play/hitting to be an intimidating factor? (NOTE: We're not looking for pests here)
Pavelski was an active hitter in the "seperate the player from the puck" sense, but he wasn't really an intimidating player whom the opposition was leery of. No. (4)
 
11. Did he play a lot/well after he passed his prime?
Absolutely. (5)
 
12. Was he ever elected to the 1st or 2nd All-Star team?
Pavelski was on 2nd All-Star team in 2014. (6)

13. Are many any other players with similar statistics in the HHOF?
I think this is pretty borderline. Of the 10 most statistically similar players, 5 are in the HOF, and the 5 who aren't likely won't be voted in. As soon as you have to start really digging for reasons, it seems like a "no" to me. (6)
 
14. Did he win a Hart, Lindsay, Norris or Vezina Trophy? (NOTE for goalies: prior to 1982, use 1st All-Star selections)
No. (6)

 

15. Did he win a Conn Smythe Trophy? (pre-1965: see resources)
No (6)

 

16. Is there any evidence to suggest (due to circumstances beyond his control) that he was significantly better than is indicated by his statistics? (NOTE: We're looking for things like time missed due to global conflict, world politics, league wars, etc... NOT INJURY!)
No (6)

 

17. Did the player bring bring positive and intense focus on the game of hockey?
The Wayne Gretzky/Babe Ruth question. Almost impossible to get a point here.
No (6)

 

18. Was the player innovative, inspire a new style of play, or cause the league to change any of its rules as a result of the way he played?
No, but almost nobody ever gets a point on this one, either. (6)
 

The scale which I've been using for many years:
 
13+ = Best of the best
11-12 = Unquestioned HOFer
9-10 = Great player
7-8 = Belongs in HOF
--------------------
5-6 = Borderline
3-4 = Weak Argument
1-2 = Completely Unqualified

 

So, Pavelski comes out with a 6 for me. A hell of a good hockey player for a long time. Definitely not dominant; he was an accumulator. With all respect for a fine career, his case for the HHOF is kind of borderline.

[J0e Th0rnton]

1 hour ago, Brewin Flames said:

Stars' Joe Pavelski walking away after 18 seasons

• 
  Ryan S. Clark, NHL reporterJun 4, 2024, 01:05 PM ET

 

Dallas Stars forward Joe Pavelski said Tuesday that he will not play next season while adding, "this is it for me."

 

While Pavelski did not outright say he was retiring from the NHL, he did tell reporters during the Stars' exit interviews that he had known for a while that the 2023-24 season would probably be his final campaign.

 

Pavelski, who turns 40 in July, was the NHL's second-oldest player this season behind Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Mark Giordano. He was in his fifth season with a Stars team that was one of the favorites to win the Stanley Cup, a trophy that had eluded Pavelski during his 18-year career.

 

A 2-1 loss Sunday to the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference final ended the Stars' season and was the start of questions about Pavelski's future. Stars players such as captain Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, and Wyatt Johnston, who has lived with Pavelski and his family, were all emotional when answering questions about if this could have been Pavelski's last game.

 

Pavelski, who was slated to be an unrestricted free agent, finished with five shots on goal while logging 16:50 of ice time in what appears to be his final game.

 

Stars coach Pete DeBoer, who previously coached Pavelski when they were with the San Jose Sharks, also addressed the reality that Game 6 may have been Pavelski's last.

 

"I don't know if it'll be Joe's last game or not, but it was an absolute privilege of my coaching career to coach a guy like that," DeBoer said after Game 6. "Our young players are all better for having been around a guy like that."

 

Pavelski told ESPN during the team's second-round series against the Colorado Avalanche that he was "kind of living in the moment right now, but I'm not too worried about it" when he was asked about his future beyond this season.

 

Stars general manager Jim Nill also told ESPN during the second round that Pavelski didn't want his future to be a distraction.

 

"He's going to know," Nill said. "There comes a time when your body, your mind -- you just say it's enough."

 

A seventh-round pick by the Sharks in 2003, the Plover, Wisconsin, native would become both a future captain and one of the franchise's all-time greats. He spent two seasons at the University of Wisconsin before embarking on a career that saw him finish with 476 goals and 1,068 points in 1,332 regular-season games while having 74 goals and 143 points in 201 playoff games.

 

Pavelski's performances helped the Sharks remain one of the NHL's long-term Stanley Cup contenders. The club reached four conference finals and one Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2016 when they lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

 

The Sharks reached the conference final in 2019 when they lost to the eventual Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues. That would be the Sharks' most recent playoff appearance and it was also Pavelski's last with the club.

He left the Sharks and signed a three-year contract with the Stars.

 

Pavelski and the Stars reached the Stanley Cup Final in his first season when they ultimately lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Following a one-year hiatus, the Stars returned to the playoffs in 2021-22 but lost in the first round.

 

With veterans such as Benn, Pavelski and Seguin, the Stars were gradually supplementing that group with young homegrown talents such as Miro Heiskanen, Roope Hintz, Jake Oettinger and Johnston. It created a roster that saw the Stars reach the conference final in 2023. They lost to the Vegas Golden Knights but affirmed their place as a serious title challenger.

 

His time captaining the Sharks led to him joining an already established leadership group in Dallas. Pavelski's role as a leader also allowed him to work with younger players such as Johnston and Logan Stankoven while providing an additional voice for teammates in need of support.

 

"He cares about our players. He cares about everyone and wants to see us succeed," Jason Robertson told ESPN. "It definitely shows his character and his leadership. That's something that will definitely follow him throughout his whole life."

I'm gutted. I really hoped he would win it this year

 

The man sacrificed his body every year

[NHL HHOF]

I am so pissed off right now! Joe Pavelski was 24 goals shy of 500, and still very capable. Now he’s never getting into the Hall of Fame. He was supposed to be the 49th member of the NHL 500 goals club (Malkin 48, Kane 50). The longer it takes for the NHL 500 goals club to reach 50 members, the longer it will take to get that special collector’s edition of the Hockey News Magazine, dedicated to the 500 goals club, ranking them on skill and talent.  Now, because of Joe Pavelski, I am forced to start a page for John freakin’ Tavares

Edited June 5 by NHL HHOF

[SaucyJack]

Pavelski is well down the list, roughly 20th, in most regular season games played without having won the Stanley Cup:

 

https://media.nhl.com/site/asset/public/ext/2023-24/MOST REGULAR-SEASON GAMES PLAYED WITHOUT STANLEY CUP WIN, NHL HISTORY.pdf

But alas, he dubiously holds 1st place of most playoff games skated without earning Lord Stanley’s trophy:

 

https://www.statmuse.com/nhl/ask/most-career-nhl-playoff-games-with-no-championship

 

Another list would be total games played (regular & playoffs) with no Cup, but I am not readily finding such a list that includes retired players.  Pavelski is surely high on that list.

 

[ruxpin]

On 6/4/2024 at 4:31 PM, JR Ewing said:

 

Good idea.

 

 1. Was he ever commonly thought of as the best player in hockey while he played?
No
 
2. Was he ever commonly thought of as the best player at his position while he played?
No
 
3. Was he ever among the top 10 leaders in any key stats? (G, A, Pts, W, SO, etc)
Yes. He had top 10 finishes in goals (3x), points (2x)
(1)

 

4. Did the player ever lead the league in any key stats? (G, A, Pts, W, SO, etc)
No (1)
 
5. Did he ever have an impact on a deep playoff run?
Yes. In 2016, he led the playoffs in goals in a Finals loss to the Pens and was a big part of Dallas' loss in the Finals to Tampa in 2020. (2)
 
6. Was he a key member of a Stanley Cup winner?
No (2)

 

7. Was he ever a team Captain?
Yes, he was Sharks captain from 2016 to 2019 (3)
 
8. Was he ever team Captain of a Stanley Cup winner?
No (3)

 

9. Did many regard him to be an excellent defensive player?
In his 18 years in the NHL, he received Selke votes in 14 seasons. I'd give him a 'yes' here. (4)
 
10. Did many regard his physical play/hitting to be an intimidating factor? (NOTE: We're not looking for pests here)
Pavelski was an active hitter in the "seperate the player from the puck" sense, but he wasn't really an intimidating player whom the opposition was leery of. No. (4)
 
11. Did he play a lot/well after he passed his prime?
Absolutely. (5)
 
12. Was he ever elected to the 1st or 2nd All-Star team?
Pavelski was on 2nd All-Star team in 2014. (6)

13. Are many any other players with similar statistics in the HHOF?
I think this is pretty borderline. Of the 10 most statistically similar players, 5 are in the HOF, and the 5 who aren't likely won't be voted in. As soon as you have to start really digging for reasons, it seems like a "no" to me. (6)
 
14. Did he win a Hart, Lindsay, Norris or Vezina Trophy? (NOTE for goalies: prior to 1982, use 1st All-Star selections)
No. (6)

 

15. Did he win a Conn Smythe Trophy? (pre-1965: see resources)
No (6)

 

16. Is there any evidence to suggest (due to circumstances beyond his control) that he was significantly better than is indicated by his statistics? (NOTE: We're looking for things like time missed due to global conflict, world politics, league wars, etc... NOT INJURY!)
No (6)

 

17. Did the player bring bring positive and intense focus on the game of hockey?
The Wayne Gretzky/Babe Ruth question. Almost impossible to get a point here.
No (6)

 

18. Was the player innovative, inspire a new style of play, or cause the league to change any of its rules as a result of the way he played?
No, but almost nobody ever gets a point on this one, either. (6)
 

The scale which I've been using for many years:
 
13+ = Best of the best
11-12 = Unquestioned HOFer
9-10 = Great player
7-8 = Belongs in HOF
--------------------
5-6 = Borderline
3-4 = Weak Argument
1-2 = Completely Unqualified

 

So, Pavelski comes out with a 6 for me. A hell of a good hockey player for a long time. Definitely not dominant; he was an accumulator. With all respect for a fine career, his case for the HHOF is kind of borderline.

 

It's always really nice to see it broken out this way.  In this particular case it reaffirms my "love the guy, but it's a no for me."   It doesn't always reaffirm my thoughts, but it's still eye-opening whether it does or doesn't.

Had he hit 500 goals, it would still have been a no for me ("accumulator"), but it would have at least been more tempting.    Much respect for him.  I've always thought of him as one of the good guys.

[ruxpin]

On 6/4/2024 at 11:11 PM, NHL HHOF said:

I am so pissed off right now! Joe Pavelski was 24 goals shy of 500, and still very capable. Now he’s never getting into the Hall of Fame. He was supposed to be the 49th member of the NHL 500 goals club (Malkin 48, Kane 50). The longer it takes for the NHL 500 goals club to reach 50 members, the longer it will take to get that special collector’s edition of the Hockey News Magazine, dedicated to the 500 goals club, ranking them on skill and talent.  Now, because of Joe Pavelski, I am forced to start a page for John freakin’ Tavares

 

Oh good.  I always look forward to these!

[OccamsRazor]

59 minutes ago, ruxpin said:

 

Oh good.  I always look forward to these!

 

 

He's about 40 soon so hold on there is a chance the Flyers call him and drag him out of moth balls...for you know leadership...never say never.

[NHL HHOF]

Joe Pavelski played in three shortened NHL seasons - 2012-2013, 2019-2020, 2020-2021. He would have had 500 career goals if not for that.

[NHL HHOF]

 

[NHL HHOF]

 

[NHL HHOF]

 

[NHL HHOF]

 

[NHL HHOF]

 

[NHL HHOF]

 

[Math]

Very borderline IMO about a HOF induction.

 

Ryan Suter can now breathe: Pavelski won't catch him in the race of the most NHL games played without winning the Cup.

[NHL HHOF]

Pavelski retires from NHL after 18 seasons

Forward had 476 goals, 1,068 points with Stars, Sharks

https://www.nhl.com/news/joe-pavelski-retires-from-nhl
 

Pavelski 'the world' to Stars with forward contemplating retirement from NHL

39-year-old 'all-time teammate' plans not to come back next season
https://www.nhl.com/news/dallas-stars-players-reflect-on-impact-of-joe-pavelski

 

Pavelski doesn’t intend to play in 2024-25

Stars forward has played 18 NHL seasons, ranks 5th in goals among active players
https://www.nhl.com/news/joe-pavelski-doesn-t-intend-to-play-next-season

 

Pavelski finishes 2nd to Fish at American Century Championship

Stars forward plays well again Sunday but can't catch leader, settles for runner-up

https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/short-shifts/joe-pavelski-finishes-second-golf-american-century

[NHL HHOF]

 

[J0e Th0rnton]

Fun fact. Pavs played 963 games as a sharks, and 369 games as a star.

 

Wtf lol

[Math]

Another fun fact: when he joined the Stars, Pavelski switched from #8 to #16 because supposedly he couldn't wear #8 because Goldsworthy's number was retired by the franchise. But #16 was his favorite number and he did the switch for that reason, not because #8 wasn't available.

[TonyPhillip1299]

[NHL HHOF]