Breaking - NHL Veteran For Over a Decade Has Signaled His Career's Done

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Skyler Walker
November 20, 2023 (12:33)

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Carolina Hurricanes Make Significant Roster Move

The Carolina Hurricanes recently made a notable decision, parting ways with their veteran goaltender, Jaroslav Halák, after his professional tryout. This move marks a potential turning point in the lengthy 17-year career of the 38-year-old netminder. Reports suggest that personal reasons and an agreement with the team played a role in this significant decision.

Halák's Impact and Team Transition

Walt Ruff, reporting from the team's official site, shed light on Halák's recent addition to the Hurricanes, stepping in to fill the void left by the prolonged absence of starting goaltender Frederik Andersen. Despite actively participating in team practices during this period, Halák took the initiative to begin the release process, a decision confirmed by Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour. With Andersen sidelined, the team is now placing its goaltending trust in the duo of Antti Raanta and Pyotr Kochetkov.

The Hurricanes' goaltending performance has seen improvement over the five games since Andersen's departure. Raanta has secured a 2-1-0 record with a .908 SV% in three appearances, while Kochetkov holds a 1-1-0 record and an impressive .935 SV% in two starts, including a notable shutout against the Lightning on November 11.

"It was a tough spot for him to be and I think he realized that."

Initially brought in to offer veteran support, Halák's tenure with the Hurricanes did not unfold as planned. Meanwhile, Kochetkov, a 24-year-old with a four-year, $8MM contract, is gradually finding success at the NHL level.

As Halák contemplates the next steps in his illustrious 17-year, 581-game NHL career, the possibility of retirement looms larger. The 38-year-old, who served as an average backup, recorded a .903 SV% and 2.72 GAA in 25 appearances with the Rangers during the 2022-23 season. Retirement appears increasingly likely for the seasoned goaltender.