One Team Tried To Talk Joe Pavelski Out Of Retiring

Joe Pavelski told us last month that he had every intention of retiring, and he made it 'officially official' on Tuesday. But apparently, at least one team—one that he's very familiar with, the San Jose Sharks—tried to talk him out of it.

According to Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now, the Sharks tried to bring him back to the team with whom he spent the first 13 years of his career.

What could've made a perfect San Jose Sharks summer even more perfect? How about the Sharks righting a wrong and bringing back popular ex-captain Joe Pavelski to mentor 2024 No. 1 pick Macklin Celebrini and 2023 fourth-overall Will Smith?
According to Pavelski himself, that could've happened.

But, as he told Scott Laughlin of the NHL Network on SiriusXM Radio, Pavelski couldn't be talked out of his plan to retire.

I'm sticking to that plan. There is no plan to play... Over the last month, we've given it some more thought…
I’ve talked to (San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier) a little bit. They look like they are turning a corner with some of their draft picks and some of the guys they brought in.

Pavelski, who turned 40 last week, couldn't be swayed into his 19th season though, and is moving on to the next phase of his life. It's all about family for Pavelski, his wife and son.

Joe Pavelski (@jpav8) has officially announced his retirement from the @NHL after 18 seasons.

Drafted in the 7th round of the 2003 Entry Draft to the @SanJoseSharks, Joe began his pro career with the Sharks in 2006. He was quick to stun fans and the organization scoring a goal… pic.twitter.com/0JFovxcE8O
— NHL Alumni (@NHLAlumni) July 16, 2024

The Sharks originally drafted Pavelski, incredibly, in the 7th round, 205th overall, in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He's outplayed (by points) all 204 players selected ahead of him in that draft.

He spent 13 years in San Jose, and the last five years of his career with the Dallas Stars. Overall, he's totaled 1,068 points in 1,332 NHL games, with twelve seasons of 25+ goals.