The hockey world is witnessing many eventful events of late. With the Stanley Cup Playoffs underway, the fans are treated to some thrilling action on the ice. However, off the ice, too, there have been many notable updates, something that the fans can’t miss. Earlier today, Finnish hockey star Valtteri Filppula announced the end of his illustrious career that spanned several years in the NHL. A renowned figure in the league during the mid-2000s and a reliable 2-way Center, Filppula’s retirement comes as a big blow to the Finnish hockey community.
The 41-year-old called an end to his illustrious career after 22 seasons, in which 16 were in the NHL. During the course of his career, he played for teams like the Red Wings, Tampa Bay Lightning, Philadelphia Flyers, and New York Islanders. Notably, he played 1056 games in the league and went on to become one of the greatest Finnish players ever to have played in the NHL.
During his stellar career, Pilppula had 530 points (197 goals, 333 assists) and also won the 2008 Stanley Cup with the Red Wings. His NHL career lasted from 2005 to 2021, following which he played in the Swiss league and the Finnish second division league. Talking about his retirement a few months back, Filppula said, “I think if everything goes as planned right now, it would be a really great way to step out and let the young guys play. I’m excited. I hope it goes well.”
Valtteri Filppula is calling it a career after 1,056 NHL games! pic.twitter.com/X3Gor3UARJ
— NHL (@NHL) April 29, 2025
Furthermore, Filppula is also a member of the famed “Triple Gold Club” as he possesses a Stanley Cup ring and gold medals in the 2022 Beijing Olympics and the 2022 IIHF World Championship. Amid his exploits for the Red Wings, the club’s biggest fan, Sivire Manninan, heaped praise on him, saying, “Val is everything for Jokerit. He started here, and he came back; 40 years old and he comes back here. It means everything to this team and this organization.”
Before his retirement, Filppula was playing in the Finnish league in his native country. He served a dual role as a player and an owner and enjoyed his time out there.
Valtteri Filppula reminisces about his time in the Finnish league
The 41-year-old is a native of Vantaa in Finland and played for Jokerit, the club of his youth, before his retirement. The club plays in the second division in Finland, but Filppula was excited to be back in his hometown. While he played freely as a player and also as an owner, Filppula went on to score 13 points (six goals, seven assists) in the league.
Reminiscing about his time playing for Jokerit, Filppula said, “I’m excited to be back. Obviously, the hockey is a little bit different than I have been playing the last little bit. It’s a good time, a lot of young players, so it makes me feel young.” Despite having a legendary career, Filppula shrugged off comparisons with Jaromir Jagr, saying, “He’s been doing it for 10 years, and I definitely don’t have that in me. It’s been a good example that a guy of that stature is doing that. It’s fun to watch him.”
This shows his down-to-earth nature, something which young fans can take note of. Indeed, the hockey community would feel a big void with the retirement of Filppula.
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