Predicting the Next Set of NHL Retirements

As the offseason continues to roll along, there are few names insiders and fans are watching that remain unsigned.

The 2024 NHL offseason has seen a few names retire from the game. Alex Goligoski, Marc Staal, Joe Pavelski, Steven Forgarty have all hung up their stakes, with Staal already taking a job with the New York Rangers in another capacity. There may be more retirements based on which veterans get a contract and who doesn’t, but there certainly be names to watch who might be playing their last season in 2024-25.

Blake Wheeler

Outside of a 21-point season with the New York Rangers in 2023-24, Blake Wheeler has played most of his career with the Winnipeg Jets. Early stints in Boston and Atlanta will be on his resume when he retires, which could be this offseason, maybe next.

He’s still a free agent and could sign a deal or a PTO this summer but injuries have caught up to him. The 38-year-old has seen his production decline and it won’t be long before he calls it a career.

Mark Giordano

"We've talked to Edmonton and Toronto and Toronto's still not sure what's happening with Jani Hakanpaa And Gio's been very patient." Mark Giordano's agent Rich Winter to Sportsnet960. In other words, Giordano is likely to get a job somewhere this season, even if it’s for league-minimum. After all, it’s hard to say how much juice he’s got left.

Giordano may take a limited role with a team this season, but he might retire next offseason.

Giordano only played 46 games for the Maple Leafs last season and he’s got to know that whatever role he accepts with an NHL team will be limited. If the Oilers are a team he considers and they win a Stanley Cup, he may go out with a trophy. If he doesn't win, he may be forced to call it a career. Giordano is now 40 years old.

Tyson Barrie