Canadiens’ immediate star announces retirement after 17 NHL seasons

The only thing Jaroslav Halak didn't do was stay in Montreal forever.

But from the moment he broke into the NHL, he shone brightly.

His career officially ended Friday as he announced his retirement after 17 seasons at the highest level.

Halak was a ninth-round pick in 2003 by the Canadiens, not exactly the round many future stars are taken in.

But by 2006-07, Halak was making his NHL debut, and he went 10-6 in that first NHL stint.

MORE: Alex Ovechkin gives a big update on his retirement plans

Halak ended up spending four seasons with the Canadiens, and he compiled the best save percentage with any team he spent multiples seasons with at 91.9%.

He would go on to play for the Blues, Capitals, Islanders, Bruins, Canucks and Rangers.

Overall, Halak played in 581 NHL games in goal. He had a 91.5 save percentage and a 2.50 goals against average.

Halak twice won the Jennings Trophy for fewest goals allowed in the league.

He hadn't suited up for an NHL team since the Rangers in 2022-23, and even then, he saved more than 90% of the shots against him and had a winning record.

Now, Halak moves on to the next chapter of his life.

MORE NHL NEWS:

• Avalanche's failed winger leaving for KHL
• Blue Jackets lose 1st-round pick to Russia for at least 4 years
• Red Wings forward announces shock NHL retirement at age 28
• Lightning legend retires after 2 Stanley Cups
• Jack Eichel bashes the Sabres with unnecessary stray
• Rangers center retires after 12 NHL seasons due to knee injuries