BREAKING NEWS: Jeff Carter Announces Retirement After 19 Seasons in the NHL
PITTSBURGH, PA — April 15, 2025 — In a heartfelt and emotional announcement that marks the end of a remarkable era, veteran forward Jeff Carter has officially declared his retirement from professional hockey following the conclusion of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ final regular-season game.
Carter, 40, wraps up an illustrious 19-season NHL career, leaving behind a legacy defined by grit, leadership, and championship pedigree. After suiting up for the Penguins one last time this past weekend, the two-time Stanley Cup champion shared the news with fans, teammates, and media during a post-game press conference at PPG Paints Arena.
“This game has given me everything,” Carter said, holding back tears. “I’ve been blessed to play for nearly two decades, to win cups, and to skate alongside some of the best players in the world. But now it’s time to turn the page and focus on what’s next — especially spending more time with my family.”
Carter’s decision, while not entirely unexpected, still carries emotional weight for the Penguins and their fan base. He joined Pittsburgh during the 2020-21 season in a trade from the Los Angeles Kings and quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his veteran presence and clutch scoring ability. Despite playing a reduced role in recent seasons, Carter remained a steady influence in the locker room, mentoring younger players and setting the tone with his professionalism.
Career Highlights
Jeff Carter was originally drafted 11th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2003 NHL Draft. He went on to play for the Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Los Angeles Kings, and Pittsburgh Penguins, amassing 1,321 NHL games, 441 goals, and 398 assists over his storied career. He won back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Kings in 2012 and 2014 and was known for his strong two-way play and lethal wrist shot.
Carter also represented Team Canada on multiple occasions, capturing gold at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. His international experience and championship resume made him a leader on every team he played for.
Penguins Pay Tribute
Following his announcement, the Penguins organization released a statement honoring Carter’s contributions to the franchise:
“Jeff Carter brought invaluable experience and character to our team. His impact goes beyond the stat sheet — he was a mentor, a leader, and a true professional. We are grateful for everything he brought to Pittsburgh and wish him and his family the best in retirement.”
Fans gave Carter a thunderous ovation during the team’s final home game, chanting his name as he skated a final lap around the ice. The moment was filled with emotion, with longtime teammates like Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang offering heartfelt hugs and salutes to their departing teammate.
As Jeff Carter steps away from the ice, he leaves behind a legacy of consistency, class, and championship excellence. While his skates may be hung up for good, his impact on the NHL — and the Pittsburgh Penguins — will be felt for years to come.