Joe Pavelski reminisces getting knocked out twice in emotional retirement letter

Joe Pavelski has concluded his remarkable 18-year career by officially retiring from the game. The 40-year-old veteran shared the news on Monday via social media, where he posted a heartfelt two-page letter reminiscing about his tenure in the league.

Pavelski shared his two biggest moments in the letter. Surprisingly, both situations revolved around him getting knocked out during playoff games.

The first incident occurred in the 2019 playoffs while playing for the San Jose Sharks against the Golden Knights, and the second took place in 2023 with the Dallas Stars against the Wild.

Despite these setbacks, Joe Pavelski highlighted the unwavering support of his teammates, who rallied around him, leading their teams to make a deep run in the playoffs as he recovered. Pavelski expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return to the lineup in both instances.

"There are two moments that stand out as favorites during my playing career, and funny enough, both started with me getting knocked out. Both incidents happened in the playoffs, once with San Jose against Vegas during the 2019 playoffs, and then again while I was playing for Dallas against Minnesota in 2023," Pavelski wrote.

"In each of these instances, my teammates had my back and our team advanced deeper into the playoffs while I was recovering, giving me the chance to return to the lineup. I was lucky enough to score in both return games - a goal and an assist in game seven against Colorado with San Jose, and a four-goal game in game one against Seattle with Dallas," he added.

Joe Pavelski was drafted with the seventh overall pick by the San Jose Sharks in the 2003 NHL draft.

After playing for the Sharks for 13 seasons, the 40-year-old veteran joined the Stars in the 2019–20 season and went on to play for them for five seasons. He garnered 1,068 points through 476 goals and 592 assists in 1,332 games.

Fans react to Joe Pavelski's heartfelt letter to hockey

The veteran player's announcement on social media has garnered reactions from NHL fans. Reacting to Pavelski's emotional letter, one X/Twitter user wrote:

"Gonna miss you Joe! Sorry we couldn't get that trophy for you to raise."

Another fan wrote:

"Bro I don't even cry but this brings tears to my eyes"

"Gonna miss you Captain America! Thank you for everything you have done to help the stars be where they are today!" another commented.

"An inspiration to everyone on and off the ice — I’ll miss cheering for Captain America!," one X user wrote.

Despite a stellar career, Joe Pavelski never won a Stanley Cup.