After sixteen seasons as a San Jose Shark, team captain Logan Couture announced his retirement from professional hockey on Tuesday. The 36-year-old, who celebrated his birthday in March, made the difficult decision citing a persistent and debilitating injury. Couture played only six games during the 2023-24 season and has been sidelined entirely this year due to osteitis pubis, an inflammation of the joint between the pubic bones, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
In a heartfelt statement, Couture expressed his gratitude for his time in the NHL, specifically thanking the Sharks organization and his teammates. He also acknowledged the unwavering support of fans worldwide. His career totals are impressive: 323 goals and 701 points in 933 regular season games, and 48 goals and 101 points in 116 playoff appearances.
Drafted ninth overall by the Sharks in 2007, Couture quickly became a cornerstone of the franchise. He was instrumental in their nine playoff appearances, including their first ever Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2015 (a six-game loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins) and a Western Conference Finals run in 2019 (a six-game loss to the eventual champion St. Louis Blues). His contributions in those postseasons were significant, with 30 points in 24 games in 2015 and 20 points in 20 games in 2019.
Named captain in 2019, Couture played a crucial role in guiding the Sharks through a period of transition, helping to build a strong farm system. The team’s recent draft picks, including Macklin Celebrini (the #1 overall pick in 2024), Sam Dickinson, William Eklund, and Will Smith, are a testament to this rebuilding effort. The acquisition of top goaltending prospect Yaroslav Askarov through a trade further strengthens their future prospects.
With the Sharks currently holding the worst record in the NHL (20-49-12) and poised to have the highest chance at the first overall pick in the upcoming draft lottery, Couture’s retirement marks a definitive end to a chapter in Sharks history. His legacy as a dedicated and talented player will undoubtedly be remembered fondly by fans in San Jose and beyond.
