After a legendary career that nobody could have predicted after he was drafted in 2003, Joe Pavelski might have skated for the final time in his NHL career.
After a legendary career in teal with the San Jose Sharks and more incredibly productive seasons leading the Dallas Stars, the curtain might be closing on Pavelski’s Hall of Fame career. If it is the end, then he will go down as having the most games played in NHL history without winning a Stanley Cup. But this shouldn’t diminish his career.
After the Dallas Stars were eliminated by the Edmonton Oilers, retirement speculation began to run wild after the game. Joe Pavelski is 39 years old and did seem to lose a step during this postseason run. Several Dallas Stars players were emotional when asked about his potential retirement. Pavelski is also on an expiring deal.
Is This It for Joe Pavelski?
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After the end of the Stars-Oilers game, NHL insider Elliot Friedman stated on the NHL Network that he believed Joe Pavelski had played his final NHL game. Despite his great leadership and contributions during the regular season, Pavelski struggled on the ice in the postseason. He missed plays he might’ve gotten to even last year.
Joe Pavelski is a Hall of Fame player if this is the end. He’s an incredible leader, an all-time great hockey player, and one of the most beloved players in the league. He managed to stay at the top of his game deep into his 30s, which few manage to do.
Joe Pavelski: One of the Best Leaders in Hockey
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Few players were as good of a leader as Joe Pavelski. Many Stars players were emotional after being asked about his potential retirement. He was the Captain of the San Jose Sharks from 2015 to 2019, including their 2016 Stanley Cup Finals run. He earned the nickname “Captain America” for his amazing leadership.
The San Jose Sharks famously rallied to his defense after his injury in the 2019 playoffs. With Pavelski as an alternate captain, the Stars made the Stanley Cup Finals once and the Western Conference Finals thrice in five years.
Nobody Could’ve Predicted a Career Like This
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When looking at the career of Joe Pavelski, he was a longshot. He might have been the greatest seventh-round pick in NHL history after the Sharks took him with the 205th pick in the stacked 2003 draft. He is in the discussion of the greatest hockey players born in the United States.
Pavelski has the most playoff goals by a US-born player in NHL history. With the Sharks, he’s second behind former teammate Patrick Marleau in goals and games played, fourth in assists, and third in points. Either Pavelski or Marleau are the greatest players drafted by the San Jose Sharks in their history.
What Happens to The Stars if He Retires?
The Dallas Stars could see some lineup reshuffling if Pavelski retires or leaves. They have an incredibly deep farm system, which could see more players from within get promoted. They have the advantage of having a great roster that is fairly young but also happens to be mostly developed within their own system.
The Stars will have around 18.4 million in cap space heading into the offseason. The top player for them to resign has to be Thomas Harley, who had a breakout season in 2024.
What is Joe Pavelski’s Legacy?
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If this is the end for Joe Pavelski and his storied career, then I believe his legacy should be that of somebody who became a player that younger people should look to emulate. He went from a seventh-round pick to becoming captain of a stacked San Jose Sharks roster. Then he continued his dominance in Dallas with a young Stars roster.
Joe Pavelski is an example of somebody who became one of the all-time greats even when nobody saw it coming. He became one of the most respected players in the league. The world could use more people like “Little Joe.”
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About the Author
Alex is a writer at Total Apex Sports. His interests include gaming, watching movies, and spending time with his girlfriend. He’s a loyal fan of the Las Vegas Raiders, Chicago Bulls, San Francisco Giants, and the Chicago Blackhawks. You can find him on X at @alex_furtotti.
