Longtime veteran defenseman Alex Goligoski has retired from the NHL with his hometown team after 17 seasons. The 39-year-old confirmed the rumours today.
Longtime Defenseman Retires
Alex Goligoski, a career come full circle in Minnesota and a ‘dream’ retirement gift
Caught up with family of #mnwild veteran as he explores an exciting next chapter: father of a newborn
“I’ve never been busier.” pic.twitter.com/E2ut0pkHej
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithNHL) September 5, 2024
Goligoski spent his 17-year career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Dallas Stars, Arizona Coyotes, and the Minnesota Wild. He recorded 475 points in 1078 games. He confirmed the rumours with The Athletic’s Joe Smith in a sit-down interview about his life after hockey, where he talks about dealing with his newborn and how he has “never been busier.”
A Career ‘Full Circle’
Goligoski started his hockey journey with the University of Minnesota’s Golden Gophers, where he played for three seasons. After being drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins, he joined the club for two games in the 2007-2008 season. Goligoski spent the back half of the 2008-2009 season and the following playoff run with the club, winning his first and only Stanley Cup championship.
He then spent portions of five and a half seasons with the Stars. After a long stint in Arizona, he joined the Wild for the 2021-2022 season, signing a one-year, five-million-dollar contract. He re-upped with the Wild on a two-year, four-million dollar extension, becoming a free agent after this season.
From the 2013-2014 season to the 2016-2017 season, he was arguably his most consistent hockey player, playing in 81 games twice and 82 games twice.
What This Means For The Wild
The most significant loss for the Wild was arguably the veteran experience that Goligoski could bring. However, they could get that experience from depth defenseman Zach Bogosian if he gains a consistent roster spot. Goligoski only played over 60 games once in his tenure with the Wild, moving away from the high 70s GP that he had with the Arizona Coyotes and Dallas Stars.
MAIN PHOTO: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
