Retirements happen all the time in sports. It’s part of the game. Players come and players go. Some of them retire when they’re too old. Some of them take forever to retire (like Tom Brady). Others, aren’t so fortunate. One example was Carl Hagelin who spent his final seasons in the NHL with the Washington Capitals.
When I say not so fortunate I’m talking about the retirements that come as a result of career or life threatening injuries. That’s what Hagelin suffered in 2022 as he took a high stick to the eye at practice.
Hagelin spent 11 seasons in the NHL. He spent four seasons with the New York Rangers, four seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins where he helped them win back to back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017. He did play with the Anaheim Ducks before that trade to the Penguins. In 2018 19 he was with the Los Angeles Kings before the Caps scooped him up at the trade deadline.
Hagelin made the announcement on his Instagram as he wrote the following:
"It’s been an amazing ride but it ends here. Unfortunately my eye injury is too severe to keep playing the game I love.I’m extremely grateful for all the memories hockey has given me and I’ve loved every single day of it.I’m gonna miss going to battle w my teammates on a daily basis, I’m gonna miss the ups and downs of a season.Nothing excites me more than stepping on the ice in front of 20,000 passionate fans.I want to thank all my amazing teammates, coaches, Doctors and other staff members that I’ve met and played with throughout the years.Lastly, I want to thank my family, my wife and my kids for all their support. They made it possible for me to live out my dream.Thank You"
During his time with the Capitals, Hagelin played in 187 games and recorded 20 goals and 46 assists for 66 points and was a key piece on the penalty kill. We’ll miss having Hagelin around and we wish him and his family the best in his retirement.