Joe Pavelski makes a major announcement regarding his future in the NHL

After the Dallas Stars were eliminated in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals by the Edmonton Oilers, it seemed all but certain that Pavelski was done. He has now made it official on the NHL Morning Skate podcast.

Pavelski, who turns 40 in July, was the NHL's second-oldest player this season, behind Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Mark Giordano. The Wisconsin native had a solid 2023-24 season for the Stars, his fifth with the franchise, scoring 27 goals and tallying 67 points in 82 games. However, his age showed during the playoffs, where he managed just 1 goal and 4 points over 19 games.

Dallas head coach Pete DeBoer, who also coached Pavelski in San Jose, praised him during a post-game press conference. DeBoer called it a privilege to coach Pavelski and credited him for helping communicate with players and promoting the team's vision.

Pavelski never won the Stanley Cup but holds the record for most playoff goals by an American-born player with 74. He reached the Stanley Cup Final twice: in 2016 with the Sharks and in 2020 with the Stars.

Pavelski finishes his career with 1,332 NHL regular season games played, scoring 476 goals and 1,068 points. He played for two NHL teams, the San Jose Sharks and the Dallas Stars. Not bad for a seventh-round pick from 2003.

Everyone at Puck Reporter wishes Pavelski all the best in retirement!

Credit: bladeofsteel
Free Agent Joe Pavelski Announces His Future Hockey Plans