Mar 3, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson (4) passes the puck against the LA Kings in the second period at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Three-time Stanley Cup winner Niklas Hjalmarsson, a throwback stay-at-home defenseman who played the last four seasons in Arizona, is retiring after 14 seasons.
NHL Network reported the blueliner’s exit on Monday, adding that a formal announcement from the Swede was unlikely.
Hjalmarsson, 34, played the bulk of his career with the Chicago Blackhawks, who picked him in the fourth round of the 2005 draft. He helped the Blackhawks capture three Stanley Cups in six years — 2010, 2013, 2015.
He finishes his career with 1,605 blocks in 821 games. He ranks second among all defensemen with 75.23 blocked shots per 60 minutes since the 2008-09 season, per The Score.
Hjalmarsson recorded 172 points (25 goals, 147 assists) with the Blackhawks (2007-17) and Coyotes.
–Field Level Media