Czech journeyman forward Jakub Klepiš, a veteran of nearly a quarter century across multiple clubs in Czechia, Russia, Sweden and the United States, confirmed his retirement from hockey at the age of 41, following Sparta Prague’s elimination from the 2026 Czech Extraliga playoffs.

Coming up in the Slavia Prague system, Klepiš made his senior debut for the club in 2002, spending two seasons before making the jump to the NHL, winning a Czech Extraliga title in 2003. The 16th overall pick of Ottawa in the 2002 NHL Draft, Klepiš had been traded twice before ever playing in the NHL, debuting for the Washington Capitals in 2005. After three seasons in the U.S., Klepiš would return to Europe, spending the tail-end of the 2007-08 season in Prague, winning his second Czech title. Klepiš would then move to the KHL in 2008, spending the next six seasons in the KHL between Omsk, Ufa, Moscow and Lev Prague, capturing consecutive Gagarin Cups with Salavat in 2011 and 2012, also being named a two-time KHL All-Star. After a short stint with Färjestad in Sweden, Klepiš would return to Czechia for good in 2015, spending his final twelve seasons in his home country. Splitting time between eight different clubs, Klepiš would make his final run at a Czech title in 2026, being loaned to Sparta Prague for the 2026 Extraliga postseason, falling short in the semifinals to Pardubice. Combining his career top division numbers, Klepiš retires with 185 goals and 503 points in 944 career games.

Debuting for the Narodnitym in their junior system in 2001, Klepiš would compete at consecutive World Junior Championships in 2003 and 2004, making his senior debut on the Euro Hockey Tour in 2004. He would play at his first of five World Championships in 2008, scoring in the Gold Medal Game of the 2010 World Championships in Cologne, capturing his first and only Worlds medal. Klepiš was also a mainstay on the Euro Hockey Tour, competing in eight tournaments between 2003 and 2018, and was part of the winning squad in 2011-12.

Despite his many achievements in hockey, Klepiš would only capture the IHLC three times in his career, with wins coming in 2002, 2003 and 2009. We wish Jakub and his family the very best for his retirement and the things to come!

Photo Credit: iSport – IIHF – HHOF – IOC