Jaroslav Halak Retires After 17-Year NHL Goaltending Career

Jaroslav Halak, one of Europe's top NHL goaltenders, announced his retirement after a 17-year career spanning seven teams. Drafted 271st overall in 2003 by the Montreal Canadiens, Halak played 581 NHL games with a 295-189-69 record, a .915 save percentage, and a 2.50 goals-against average. Notable highlights include his standout 2010 playoff performance leading Montreal to upset the Washington Capitals and his 2014-15 All-Star season with the New York Islanders, where he set a franchise record with 38 wins. Internationally, Halak represented Slovakia at various levels, including the 2010 Olympics, and earned silver medals at the 2003 U18 World Championship and 2016 World Cup of Hockey. He won the William Jennings Trophy twice, sharing the award with teammates in St. Louis and Boston. After two years away from the game, Halak confirmed his retirement, focusing now on family and life off the ice.