Joe Pavelski hints at NHL future following heartbreaking playoff elimination

When the Dallas Stars were eliminated by the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Western conference final, my heart went out to forward Joe Pavelski. The veteran forward will turn 39 in July, and with a one-year contract in hand, he is apparently not willing to even consider retirement.

In his exit interview on Wednesday, Pavelski confirmed that he is not ready to retire. He signed a one-year contract extension through the 2023-24 season, worth a base of $3.5 million, plus an additional $2 million in potential performance bonuses, and will honour it, per Joseph Hoyt. 

While Pavelski did admit that sometimes, the body aches in the rink, he acknowledged first and foremost that he has too much fun still playing in the NHL.

“There were stretches in this playoffs where it got a little bit tough, but when I stepped onto the rink any aches and pains melted away.”

And it’s good news for the Stars since Pavelski was such an inspiring performer during the postseason. Not only did the veteran forward kept Dallas’ chances alive in Game 5 with an overtime winner, he posted nine goals and 14 points in 14 playoff contests.

That’s just the type of guys you want to have on your roster!

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