American centre Paul Stastny, the son of hockey royalty who carved out his own illustrious career that spanned nearly two decades, today confirmed his retirement from hockey, having last played for the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2022-23 NHL season.

The son of NHL Hall of Famer and Czechoslovak-Canadian legend Peter Šťastný, Paul joined the Colorado Avalanche in 2005, shortly after capturing an NCAA Title at the nearby University of Denver. Stastny set a rookie record with a 20-game point streak in his debut season, the first of eight with the Avalanche, before joining his hometown St. Louis Blues in 2014. Stastny would spend four seasons with the Blues before bouncing around Winnipeg, Vegas and Carolina in the final five seasons of his career, often hampered by injury. However, his dependability and versatility served him well over his 17 NHL seasons, amassing 822 points in 1,145 career games, with another 73 points in 118 playoff games.

Born in Québec City, but raised in St. Louis by virtue of his father’s playing career, Stastny opted to compete for Team USA, debuting at the 2007 World Championship following his stellar rookie year. Stastny would return at the 2012 and 2013 Worlds, captaining the latter team to a Bronze Medal. Also a two-time Olympian in 2010 and 2014, Stastny would capture a Silver medal at the 2010 Vancouver Games.

Stastny would capture the IHLC just three times in his career, with two wins in 2007, followed by a win in 2012. We wish Paul and his family the very best for his retirement and the things to come!

Photo Credit: New York Daily News – IIHF – HHOF – IOC