Farewell to Legends: NHL Players Retiring in 2025 and Their Incredible Careers

As the 2024–25 NHL season wraps up, the league says goodbye to a group of veteran players who have left their mark on the game. These players have given fans unforgettable moments, won championships, and shown the grit and passion it takes to last in professional hockey. Here’s a look at the key names retiring this year, their career stats, and their greatest achievements.

Marc-André Fleury (G) – Minnesota Wild

Career: 21 seasons (2003–2025)
Teams: Pittsburgh Penguins, Vegas Golden Knights, Minnesota Wild
Games Played: 1,051
Wins: 575
Shutouts: 76
GAA: 2.60
SV%: .912

Fleury ranks second all-time in NHL history for wins, games played, and minutes logged by a goaltender, trailing only Martin Brodeur.

Achievements: 3x Stanley Cup champion (2009, 2016, 2017), Vezina Trophy winner (2021), 2nd all-time in NHL wins
Highlight: Fleury’s acrobatic saves and infectious grin made him a fan favorite in Pittsburgh, Vegas, and Minnesota. His Cup-sealing stop in 2009 remains one of the most iconic moments in NHL playoff history.

Pat Maroon (LW) – Chicago Blackhawks

Career: 14 seasons (2011–2025)
Teams: Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils, St. Louis Blues, Tampa Bay Lightning, Chicago Blackhawks
Games Played: 848
Goals: 126
Assists: 197
Points: 323

Maroon announced his retirement after the 2025 season, reflecting on his career highlights and the decision to retire in St. Louis. NHL.com

Achievements: 3x consecutive Stanley Cups (2019 Blues, 2020 & 2021 Lightning), known for gritty playoff performances
Highlight: Known as “Big Rig,” Maroon was a playoff warrior, bringing grit and clutch goals to every championship run. His back-to-back-to-back Cup wins put him in rare company.

David Savard (D) – Montreal Canadiens

Career: 15 seasons (2011–2025)
Teams: Columbus Blue Jackets, Tampa Bay Lightning, Montreal Canadiens
Games Played: 870
Goals: 54
Assists: 188
Points: 242

Savard announced on April 18, 2025, that he would retire at the conclusion of the Canadiens’ playoff campaign. Wikipedia

Achievements: Stanley Cup champion (2021 Lightning), dependable shutdown defenseman
Highlight: A steady defensive presence, Savard played a key role in helping Tampa Bay secure back-to-back Cups. His physicality and leadership were valued by every team he played for.

Alec Martinez (D) – Chicago Blackhawks

Career: 16 seasons (2009–2025)
Teams: Los Angeles Kings, Vegas Golden Knights, Chicago Blackhawks
Games Played: 862
Goals: 88
Assists: 201
Points: 289 NHL.com

Martinez played his last game in the Blackhawks’ final home game of the year on April 13, 2025. Wikipedia

Achievements: 2x Stanley Cup champion (2012, 2014 Kings), scored iconic 2014 Cup-winning OT goal
Highlight: Martinez’s overtime goal in Game 5 of the 2014 Stanley Cup Final clinched the Cup for LA and instantly became a historic highlight for Kings fans.

Cal Clutterbuck (RW) – New York Islanders

Career: 16 seasons (2007–2025)
Teams: Minnesota Wild, New York Islanders
Games Played: 1064
Goals: 143
Assists: 150
Points: 293

Clutterbuck announced his retirement after 16 NHL seasons on April 23, 2025. Wikipedia

Achievements: NHL’s all-time leader in recorded hits, fan-favorite for physical, grinding play
Highlight: Clutterbuck earned a reputation as one of the hardest hitters in the league, energizing teammates and frustrating opponents for over a decade.

Marc Staal (D) – Philadelphia Flyers

Pictured above: Staal Brothers (left to right), Eric Staal, Jordan Staal, Marc Staal

Career: 17 seasons (2007–2024)
Teams: New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, Philadelphia Flyers
Games Played: 1,136
Goals: 53
Assists: 181
Points: 234

Staal retired after 17 NHL seasons and joined the Rangers as a player development assistant. Wikipedia

Achievements: Longtime New York Ranger, known for defensive reliability and leadership
Highlight: Part of the famous Staal family, Marc was a rock on the Rangers’ blue line for over a decade, earning respect as a leader and veteran presence.

Alex Goligoski (D) – Minnesota Wild

Career: 17 seasons (2007–2024)
Teams: Pittsburgh Penguins, Dallas Stars, Arizona Coyotes, Minnesota Wild
Games Played: 1,078
Goals: 87
Assists: 388
Points: 475

Goligoski retired from the NHL after 17 seasons on September 5, 2024. Wikipedia

Achievements: Stanley Cup champion (2009 Penguins), respected veteran defenseman
Highlight: Goligoski’s smooth skating and puck-moving ability made him a valuable part of multiple NHL blue lines, contributing offensively and defensively.

Kyle Okposo (RW) – Florida Panthers

Career: 17 seasons (2007–2024)
Teams: New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres, Florida Panthers
Games Played: 1051
Goals: 242
Assists: 372
Points: 614

Okposo retired after 17 seasons, having won the Stanley Cup with the Panthers.

Achievements: Stanley Cup champion (2024 Panthers), former Islanders captain, known for leadership and consistency
Highlight: Okposo capped his long career with a dream Stanley Cup win, earning the respect of teammates and fans across the league.

Antti Raanta (G) – Carolina Hurricanes

Career: 11 seasons (2013–2024)
Teams: Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, Arizona Coyotes, Carolina Hurricanes
Games Played: 277
Wins: 139
Shutouts: 20
GAA: 2.48
SV%: .915

Raanta announced the end of his NHL career on September 15, 2024.

Achievements: Reliable backup and occasional starter, part of strong Carolina Hurricanes teams
Highlight: Raanta provided critical goaltending depth and was beloved for his professionalism and positive attitude.

Chris Wideman (D) – Montreal Canadiens

Career: 8 seasons (2015–2024)
Teams: Ottawa Senators, Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers, Montreal Canadiens
Games Played: 291
Goals: 20
Assists: 58
Points: 78

Wideman announced his retirement on September 17, 2024.

Matt Irwin (D) – Vancouver Canucks

Career: 10 seasons (2013–2024)
Teams: San Jose Sharks, Boston Bruins, Nashville Predators, Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Washington Capitals, Vancouver Canucks
Games Played: 461
Goals: 25
Assists: 68
Points: 93

Irwin announced his retirement after 10 NHL seasons on November 14, 2024.

Kevin Shattenkirk (D) – Boston Bruins

Career: 14 seasons (2010–2024)
Teams: Colorado Avalanche, St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins
Games Played: 891
Goals: 91
Assists: 300
Points: 391

Shattenkirk announced his retirement after 14 NHL seasons on December 10, 2024.