Swedish forward Patric Hörnqvist, a two time Stanley Cup and one-time World Champion whose career was unfortunately cut short due to concussion issues, today announced his retirement from the Florida Panthers, where he was sidelined on their historic run to the Stanley Cup Final.

After spending his junior seasons with Väsby and Djurgårdens of the Swedish league, Hörnqvist, the final draft pick of the 2005 NHL Draft, made his debut with Nashville in 2008, spending six seasons with the Predators. It was a 2014 trade to Pittsburgh that would change his career, where, teamed on the Penguins’ first line with Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz, he helped the Pens to win back to back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017, the latter seeing Hörnqvist scoring the Cup-winning goal against his former team. After six seasons in Pittsburgh, Hörnqvist joined Florida in 2020, being held to just 131 games over three seasons due to concussion issues, prematurely ending his career in December 2022. Hörnqvist retires with 264 goals and 543 points in 901 career NHL games over fifteen seasons, along with another 53 points in 106 playoff games.

A native of Sollentuna, Hörnqvist made his national debut with the Juniorkronorna under-17 squad in 2004, making his World Juniors debut in 2007. He would debut for Tre Kronor the same year, with 2007 marking the first of five appearances at the World Championship (2007, 2008, 2012, 2018, 2019), with 2018 seeing Sweden capture World Championship Gold. Hörnqvist would also be part of Tre Kronor at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, 2016 World Cup Of Hockey, and four Euro Hockey Tours, capturing the Tour Championship in 2007.

Hörnqvist captured the IHLC six times over the course of his career, winning his first at the 2006 World Junior Championships, his last coming a dozen years later at the 2018 World Championship. We wish Patric and his family the very best for his retirement and the things to come!

Photo Credit: Aftonbladet – IIHF – HHOF – IOC