Alec Martinez, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, has announced his retirement from professional hockey after a storied 16-year NHL career. The 37-year-old defenseman played his final game with the Chicago Blackhawks on April 13, 2025, against the Winnipeg Jets.
Martinez’s career was marked by numerous achievements, including three Stanley Cup titles with the Los Angeles Kings in 2012, 2014, and a stint with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2021. He played a total of 783 regular-season games and 124 playoff games, accumulating 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in 43 games for the Blackhawks during his final season.
In an emotional interview before his last game, Martinez expressed gratitude for the opportunities he had in the NHL. “I’m just very thankful, very appreciative of a lot of different people who helped me along the way,” he said. Martinez’s retirement marks the end of an era for a player who was known for his clutch performances and leadership on the ice.
Martinez’s decision to retire follows a trend of veteran players hanging up their skates in recent years. Other notable retirees include Loui Eriksson, who ended his 16-year career earlier this year, and Pat Maroon, who announced his retirement after the 2025 season. As Martinez begins his post-playing career, he leaves behind a legacy as one of the most successful defensemen of his generation
