Speaking to members of the Dallas Stars in their end-of-season media availability, radio host of the Stars, Owen Newkirk, reports that Joe Pavelski is likely done with his career in the National Hockey League. Although Pavelski was adamant that it was not an official announcement of retiring, he mentioned that he had expected this to be his last season.
If Pavelski has ultimately played his last game, it will mark the end of a career that spanned almost two decades. Drafted in the seventh round of the ever-famous 2003 NHL Draft, Pavelski has not only beat the odds of making it to the NHL but will now be regarded as one of the most consistent American-born players in league history.
One of the major reasons Pavelski was able to procure such lasting power in the NHL is his hand-eye coordination. With most current All-Stars combining elite skill and speed, Pavelski never brought the same kind of mobility as the rest of his peers and instead became a menace in front of the opposing team’s nets.
For the first 13 years of his career, Pavelski became a staple of the San Jose Sharks organization, missing the playoffs in only one season. Pavelski played in 963 games for the Sharks, scoring 355 goals and 761 points, with 121 of those goals coming on an elite powerplay. Finishing the last four years of his tenure in San Jose as the team’s captain, Pavelski also helped the team to four division titles, four Conference Finals appearances, one President’s Trophy, and one appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals.
With the Sharks entering a rebuilding phase towards the end of Pavelski’s career with the organization, he left for greener pastures in the 2019-20 offseason. Over the summer, Pavelski signed a three-year, $21MM contract with the Stars, marking an end to his tenure in San Jose.
If anything, Pavelski almost became a more effective player in Dallas, scoring on a nearly point-per-game pace from his age 35 to age 39 season. Pavelski added another 121 goals and 307 points to his career totals while playing 369 regular season games in the Lone Star State.
During his first year with the Stars organization, Pavelski would get another crack at the Stanley Cup, this time losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Despite scoring 74 goals and 143 points in 201 combined postseason games with the Sharks and the Stars, Pavelski was unable to capture the elusive trophy throughout his career.
If this is indeed the end for Pavelski, he will have finished his 18-year career with 1,332 games played while scoring 476 goals and 1,068 points. Compared to other American-born players throughout league history, Pavelski would finish his career seventh in games played, sixth in goals, 12th in assists, and sixth in points.
sad, i really wanted him to finally win a Cup, 2016 and 2020 SCF losses, and Conference Finals in 2010, 2011, 2019, 2023, and 2024
Was hoping Pavs would go out with a Stanley Cup ring. Maybe he’ll reconsider, but if not, what a career he had!
*Stick taps*
Pretty high up there on the all-time career NHL ranking lists:
Games played: 60th
Points: 71st
Goals Created: 71st
Plus/Minus: 71st
Even-strength goals: 82nd
Power-play goals: 32nd
Game-winning goals: 49th
Shots: 45th
Point shares: 79th
Dude can still improve any team he plays for. It’s just a matter of the whole equation. Love watching him play. Hoping he’ll take one more look at getting a ring. He’d fit in nicely in Edmonton.
Heck of a player. I remember watching his first game against the Wings
Respect to my favorite player of all time. You’re a hall of famer to me little Joe. Thanks for all the good times, cap.
I’m not crying… you’re crying.
Canadian here, Joe was always elite and even at such an advanced age he was better then ever. Has to be a HoF career
Congrats to Joe on a damn fine HOF career!
Pavs is a free agent I think. I hope he at least considers signing with a Cup contender. There’s no shame in chasing a Cup. Many have including Jumbo and Patty.
Man I love this guy! Thanks for the memories. Wish he could have ended with a cup.
He’s been a splendid player, but no, Pavelski isn’t going to the HHOF. He’s not in the career leaders in any statistical category. He’s never led the league in anything. He’s never been a trophy finalist, let alone won one. He’s never been on a Cup or gold medal winning team. He was named a Second Team All-Star just the once, and in eighteen seasons he played in the All-Star Game/s only four times. Excellent player who’s going out while he’s still at top form, absolutely. Immortal legend, no.