After 17 NHL seasons, veteran centre Paul Stastny announced that he is retiring. After a long career playing with five different teams, Stastny has quietly decided to hang up the skates.
Paul Stastny has decided to hang up the skates after 17 NHL seasons.
(via @PierreVLeBrun) pic.twitter.com/aAU2rT7JsH
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) November 1, 2023
Paul Stastny Retires After Almost Two Decades of NHL Experience
The son of Hall of Famer Peter Stastny, Paul decided to call it quits after 17 NHL seasons, 822 points (293 goals, 529 assists) and 1,145 regular-season games. His playoff pedigree included 73 points (30 goals, 43 assists) in 118 games. Originally a second-round pick by the Colorado Avalanche, Stastny also spent time with the St. Louis Blues, Winnipeg Jets, Vegas Golden Knights, and most recently the Carolina Hurricanes.
Always a reliable centre who could provide versatility and had a knack for scoring around the net, Stastny was counted on by many. In addition to the teams above, Stastny also suited up for the United States at the World Championships and two different Olympics. His versatility additionally allowed him to play on the wing when needed. Most recently, Stastny ended his career as a reliable depth forward for Carolina. He played in 71 games scoring nine goals and 13 assists last season. More notably, he scored four goals in 15 playoff games including the overtime series-clinching goal in round one against the New York Islanders. Whether it was centring the second line or fourth line, playing on the wing, or sitting as a healthy scratch, Stastny quietly provided the team with a versatile veteran presence.
The Future for Stastny
While Stastny unfortunately never reached the ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup, he has a lot to be proud of. He was a true professional through and through. Being a past Olympian and NHL All-Star are no small accolades. But while his NHL playing days are over, Stastny has not ruled out the possibility of being involved in the sport in the future. For now, though, he seems focused on being with his family and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. At age 37, Stastny decided on retirement without making much of a public announcement. Given his nature, this seems fitting.
Main Photo Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
