Former NY Islanders goaltender Jaro Halak retires a few wins shy of 300 career wins

Goaltender Jaroslav Halak has officially announced his retirement from professional hockey, closing the book on a remarkable 17-season NHL career that included a pivotal stint with the New York Islanders as the team enjoyed a resurgence that coincided with his arrival.

Halak made a lasting impact during his four seasons with the Isles from 2014 to 2018, bringing stability and veteran leadership to the crease during a pivotal period in the franchise's history. GM Garth Snow acquired his rights in May 2014, and he was subsequently signed to a four-year contract.

In his first year with the team, Halak delivered a historic performance, setting the Islanders’ single-season record for wins with 38 in 2014–15—a mark that still stands today. His steady play helped propel the Islanders back into the playoffs, where they were eliminated in seven games by the Washington Capitals. Over 177 games in blue and orange, Halak compiled 88 wins, 12 shutouts, a .913 save percentage, and a 2.70 goals-against average. His tenure included stretches where he shared duties with Thomas Greiss, forming one of the more dependable goalie tandems in the league at the time. Whether carrying the load as the clear No. 1 or stepping up in a platoon, Halak brought professionalism and poise to every start.

Halak, 40, last appeared in an NHL game on April 13, 2023, with the New York Rangers and briefly joined the Carolina Hurricanes on a tryout in 2023-24 before stepping away from the game. In an interview with Slovakia’s Dennik Sport, Halak confirmed the decision, saying, “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.”

Halak retires with a stellar résumé: 295 wins, 53 shutouts, a 2.50 goals-against average, and a .915 save percentage across 581 career games. He earned two William M. Jennings Trophies, awarded to the goalie tandem that allows the fewest goals during the regular season.

Internationally, Halak represented Slovakia at the 2010 and 2014 Olympics and led Team Europe to the final of the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. Though he fell just shy of the 300-win milestone, Halak reflected with gratitude: “Looking back on my career, it’s been a good one. It would have been nicer with 300 wins, but I’ll be happy with 295."