After an incredible 16-year journey in the NHL, San Jose Sharks captain Logan Couture has officially announced his retirement from professional hockey. At 36 years old, Couture says his body can no longer handle the physical demands of the game due to a painful medical condition he has been struggling with for the past two seasons.
Why Logan Couture Retired
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Couture shared that he’s been dealing with Osteitis Pubis, a medical condition that causes inflammation in the pelvic area. This leads to constant pain in the lower abdomen, hips, and groin.
“My career of playing hockey has come to an end – I’m not physically able to play anymore,” said Couture. “I loved and cherished every single moment I got to play in this league.”
He revealed that he first started seriously thinking about retirement after his final game against the Anaheim Ducks on January 31, 2024. “I was in a ton of pain,” he said. “It’s been on my mind since then.”
A Look Back at Couture’s Memorable Career
Logan Couture started his NHL journey on October 25, 2009, when he played his first game against the Philadelphia Flyers. Looking back, he said even if that one game was all he ever played, he would have been happy.
But he went on to play 933 games in the NHL – all for the San Jose Sharks. Over the years, Couture became a key part of the team, especially known for his strong performances during the playoffs.
Between 2010 and 2019, the Sharks reached the Western Conference Finals four times, and even made it to the Stanley Cup Final in 2016, though they lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games. Couture was one of the standout players during these runs, often delivering clutch performances when the team needed him most.
Contract Status and Future Plans
Even though Couture is retiring from the ice, he will still be under contract with the Sharks until the end of the 2026-27 NHL season. He signed a long-term deal back in 2019, which pays him $8 million per season.
He also hinted that he might be interested in a management role with the team in the future, though he said he’s not ready to jump into that just yet.
Emotional Moments and Heartfelt Thanks
During the press conference, Couture thanked the Sharks organization, his teammates, coaches, and agents. The most emotional part came when he spoke about his family and especially his parents.
“You guys sacrificed so much for me to live my dream,” he said, holding back tears. “I love you guys, and I know I’ll do that for my kids.”
After his speech, Sharks General Manager Mike Grier took the stage and praised Couture’s career. A touching video followed, with messages from former teammates and coaches like Joe Pavelski, Brent Burns, Tomas Hertl, Doug Wilson, Pete DeBoer, Dan Boyle, and others. All of them spoke about how reliable and outstanding Couture was in big playoff moments.
Logan Couture’s retirement marks the end of a proud chapter for the San Jose Sharks and their fans. Known for his leadership, playoff heroics, and passion for the game, Couture leaves behind a legacy of loyalty, talent, and heart. While his playing days may be over, there’s a strong chance he could return to the NHL in a different role one day. For now, he steps away from the ice with deep respect from teammates, fans, and the hockey world.
