Minnesota Wild defender Alex Goligoski considering retirement

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Josh Tupper
June 3, 2024 (10:24 PM)

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As the season draws to a close, we'll start to hear more from seasoned players like Alex Goligoski who are thinking about giving up hockey.

The Minnesota Wild defenseman is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agency on July 1st. Although other teams might show interest in him, according to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, there have been discussions about his retirement.

However, Pagnotta did note that Goligoski is holding onto his option, meaning the 38-year-old blueliner may play next season.

"Minnesota Wild defenceman Alex Goligoski hasn't made a final decision yet as to his future. There's talk he may consider hanging up his skates, but as of now I'm told he's keeping his options open." Pagnotta said.

Grand Rapids, Minnesota, native Goligoski has spent 17 seasons in the National Hockey League, beginning with the Pittsburgh Penguins and playing for the Dallas Stars, Arizona Coyotes, and most recently, the Wild.

Goligoski played in 36 games for the Wild in the previous season, recording ten assists, eight penalty minutes, and a minus-eight rating. Early in the season, a lower-body injury kept him on long-term injured reserve for more than a month.

It will be interesting to watch what actions Alex Goligoski takes. Even though he chose not to continue skating, he should be proud of himself because spending 17 years in the National Hockey League is an amazing feat. However, if he chooses to stick with it, a lot of teams might be interested in hiring him on a low-AAV one-year deal.