Jaroslav Halak and Blake Wheeler Announce Retirement From NHL

Jaroslav Halak and Blake Wheeler, two former New York Rangers players, have both formally announced their retirement from the NHL. 

Halak played 17 seasons in the NHL for the Montreal Canadiens, St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, New York Islanders, Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks, and Rangers. 

His final season came during the 2022-23 campaign with the Rangers. He recorded a 10-9-5 record, .903 save percentage, and 1.72 save percentage. 

Despite not playing for the past two seasons, Halak hadn’t formally retired until this week, when he ultimately decided he had nothing left to give.

“Last year I completed summer training ... but when nothing came of it, I told myself it was pointless. After that I didn't even try anymore," Halak said. "I'm officially ending my career. I would like to thank my family, friends, fans and especially my wife Petra, who has been by my side my entire career.”

Wheeler played 16 seasons in the NHL for the Boston Bruins, Atlanta Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets, and Rangers. 

The veteran forward played his last season with the Blueshirts during the 2023-24 season. After his stint with the Rangers, Wheeler took a full season before announcing his retirement. 

“More or less, right after last year, I knew I was all done,” Wheeler said. “I just didn’t have anything left in the tank