Some NHL legends skate off into the sunset with one last playoff run or a farewell tour full of love. Others? Not so lucky.
Whether it was a rough final season, an ugly exit, or a jersey that just didn’t fit, these hockey icons didn’t exactly go out on top. Here are 16 NHL greats whose careers ended with a little more cringe than celebration.
16. Jarome Iginla
One of the classiest players in hockey, Iginla bounced between teams at the end chasing a Cup that never came. It just felt wrong seeing him wear anything other than a Flames sweater.
15. Martin Brodeur
After a legendary career in New Jersey, Brodeur’s strange stint with the Blues left fans scratching their heads. His final games looked like a shadow of the brick wall he once was.
14. Mike Modano
Modano suited up for the Red Wings for one forgettable year after decades as the face of the Stars. His farewell lacked the fanfare a player of his caliber deserved.
13. Joe Thornton
Jumbo Joe tried to chase that elusive Cup with the Leafs and Panthers, but age had clearly caught up. He went from dominant center to quiet veteran presence almost overnight.
12. Eric Lindros
After years of injuries and drama, Lindros quietly wrapped things up with the Stars. The dominant force from his Flyers days was long gone by then.
11. Daniel Alfredsson
Alfredsson returning to Ottawa for a one-day contract was a nice gesture, but his year in Detroit felt off. Seeing him in red and white instead of black and gold just didn’t sit right.
10. Chris Pronger
Due to injury, Pronger technically retired years after he last played. He even got traded while working for the NHL, which only added to the awkwardness.
9. Brett Hull
Hull’s last stop with the Coyotes was downright forgettable. He retired just five games into the season, and most fans barely noticed.
8. Patrick Roy
Roy’s fiery personality finally boiled over in Montreal, leading to his dramatic trade to Colorado. His Canadiens exit remains one of the messiest breakups in NHL history.
7. Bobby Orr
Injuries robbed Orr of a proper goodbye, and his final games with the Blackhawks were painful to watch. The greatest defenseman ever deserved so much more.
6. Luc Robitaille
Luc’s final go-round with the Kings wasn’t awful, but it lacked the magic of his prime. It was a quiet ending for one of the game’s flashiest scorers.
5. Pavel Bure
Knee injuries plagued Bure’s later years, and he never got the comeback fans hoped for. His dazzling speed was a distant memory by the time he retired.
4. Henrik Lundqvist
Lundqvist never got to suit up for the Capitals due to a heart condition, ending his career on the sidelines. Watching him leave the game without a proper final start was brutal.
3. Bobby Clarke
The Flyers legend ended his career in a diminished role that felt more like a formality. For a guy who once defined Philly hockey, the ending didn’t match the legacy.
Read More: NHL Players With the Highest Hockey IQ
2. Dany Heatley
“Heatley 50 in ’07” became a meme for a reason, but his final years were unremarkable. His fall from elite scorer to league afterthought came fast and hard.
Read More: Most Legendary Players of all Time
1. Wayne Gretzky
Yes, he’s the GOAT, but Gretzky’s final years with the Rangers were a slow fade. The magic was still there in flashes, but it was clear the Great One’s time had passed.
Stay in the Game With the Latest Scores, Highlights, and Stories — Follow GamerKoala on MSN.
