The news comes just days after the Edmonton Oilers defeated Pavelski's Dallas Stars in the Western Conference Finals by a score of 2-1.
Pavelski managed to record 67 points this season, which was impressive given his age, but his productivity dried up substantially in the playoffs, with the veteran managing to tally just 1 goal and 3 assists in 19 playoff games.
"This is it for me." Pavelski told Stars beat reporters on Tuesday. He mentioned that the decision was not fully official yet, implying that a formal announcement would be made at some point this summer, but did confirm that "the plan is not to play next season."
Pavelski's illustrious career comes to an end with 1,332 NHL regular season games under his belt. He also amassed 201 career postseason games. The veteran pivot has never won a Cup, but registered an impressive 476 goals and 1,068 points in his career, with an additional 74 goals and 143 points in the playoffs.
Early reports seem to suggest that Pavelski may consider an off-ice role with the Stars organization.
POLL | ||
4 JUIN | 358 ANSWERS Dallas Stars forward Joe Pavelski retires from the NHL at 39 years old Did Joe Pavelski do enough in his career to be inducted into the Hall of Fame when eligible? | ||
Yes | 197 | 55 % |
No | 161 | 45 % |
List of polls |