Ryan Reaves has called time on a 16-season NHL career, announcing Wednesday that the game’s miles, fights and heavy shifts have finally caught up with him.
The 39-year-old forward leaves the League after skating in 50 games for the San Jose Sharks last season, recording three goals. Known throughout his career for his physical edge and willingness to answer the bell, Reaves said hockey had given him far more than he ever expected when he first dreamed of becoming a professional athlete.
In his retirement message, Reaves recalled that as a kid he was drawn to the contact side of sports, whether it was football or hockey. He said the idea of playing 16 NHL seasons would have been difficult for his 10-year-old self to imagine.
A long NHL run from a fifth-round pick
St. Louis selected Reaves in the fifth round, 156th overall, at the 2005 NHL Draft. He developed into a reliable bottom-six presence and one of the League’s most recognizable physical players.
| Career category | Total |
|---|---|
| NHL regular-season games | 962 |
| Regular-season goals | 66 |
| Regular-season assists | 74 |
| Regular-season points | 140 |
| Stanley Cup Playoff games | 113 |
| Playoff points | 9 |
Reaves appeared for eight NHL clubs: the Blues, Pittsburgh Penguins, Vegas Golden Knights, New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Toronto Maple Leafs and Sharks.
His longest stop came in St. Louis, where he spent seven seasons and played 419 games. The Blues drafted him, and the organization gave him the first extended opportunity of a career that would stretch nearly two decades.
Vegas playoff moment stands out
Reaves also played a meaningful part in Vegas’ inaugural 2017-18 run to the Stanley Cup Final. He scored twice in 10 postseason appearances that spring, including the deciding goal in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final against the Winnipeg Jets.
The Golden Knights reached the Final but fell to the Washington Capitals in five games.
“The corners are safer”
Reaves said reaching the NHL was difficult, but remaining there for so long was an even greater challenge. He wrote that the game returned the commitment he gave it many times over, while acknowledging that age and the accumulated punishment from hits and fights had brought him to this decision.
He thanked the people who backed him through the highs and lows of his career, including fans and critics alike. Reaves said hockey took him places he never expected to see and introduced him to people he will carry with him for the rest of his life.
Although he is stepping away from playing, Reaves said he expects to remain involved around hockey in some capacity. He closed his message with the kind of line that suited his career: the rink’s corners, he said, can breathe a little easier now.
SEO Title: Ryan Reaves retires after 16 NHL seasons
Meta Description: Ryan Reaves announces his retirement at age 39 after 962 NHL games, eight teams, 113 playoff appearances and a memorable run with the Vegas Golden Knights.
