Colorado Avalanche goaltender Pavel Francouz has officially announced his retirement from the game of hockey after dealing with injuries the past couple of seasons.
It's the end of the line for Colorado Avalanche goaltender Pavel Francouz. After not playing a game since April of 2023,
Francouz announced his retirement in his home country of Czechia.
"It's something I've been working towards for the last year. Certainly an unpleasant, sad matter, but I try to look at it as something ends and something begins."
Francouz, 33, stressed he will not be playing in Europe and that his retirement means he is done playing the sport of hockey professionally.
"I realize how awfully fast it went. I remember the veterans in Pilsen, when they told us at the age of eighteen to value every season, every playoff.
All of a sudden I'm sitting here and I'm done. It was fun, even if it was hard and complicated at times. Amazing times. I am grateful to ice hockey for the wonderful experiences."
Francouz won a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022, and contributed in the playoffs in a big way after fellow netminder Darcy Kuemper went down with an injury in the first round. Francouz brought the Avalanche all the way to the Stanley Cup final before Kuemper resumed his role as the starter.
Over the past few seasons, Francouz has had double-knee surgery, and has dealt with ankle and groin injuries, which ultimately led to his decision to retire from hockey. It was announced back in November that he would not play during the 2023-24 season, leading to speculation that his career might be over. His current two-year deal with Colorado ends at the end of this season. It was worth $2 million per year.
Source: Hokej.cz
Official: End of speculation! The Frenchman is saying goodbye to hockey at the age of 33
ARE YOU SURPRISED THAT INJURIES HAVE FORCED PAVEL FRANCOUZ TO RETIRE? APRIL 19 43 ANSWERS |
| YES | 14 | 32.6 % |
| NO | 16 | 37.2 % |
| NOT SURE | 13 | 30.2 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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