The NHL is a rapidly changing league with players coming in and out each season. While some players hang on as long as possible in depth roles others take a step back once they are not key contributors. For Jaroslav Halak this is a decision he is going through at the moment.
Halak Wants To Play
In a recent report by Slovak hockey insider Tomas Prokop Halak has said he will not sign somewhere as a third-stringer. He wants to still be a backup and have a chance to get games.
Jaroslav Halak 🇸🇰 does not plan on signing with a team to be a third-stringer. The veteran goaltender has made it clear he doesn't want to take that route, and will continue looking to sign somewhere as a backup goaltender.
Halak, 38, went 10-9-5 with a .903 SV% and 4.04 GSAx with the New York Rangers (NHL) 🇺🇸 last season.
For every player, the time comes when they are no longer able to contribute the way they used to. In Halak's case, he has done a wonderful job transitioning into a backup role and mentoring some of the league's best young goaltenders. As you can see by his stats listed above Halak is still a solid goaltender that can contribute.
Will Halak Retire?
While we can't know for certain how things will shake it Jaroslav Halak should get every opportunity to be a second-string goaltender in the NHL still. He has played well in this role in the past and has not had any major injury issues recently. With Halak's age, he would likely have to find the right team that has an established starter as he has only played 20 to 30 games a year in the past few seasons.