After twelve impactful seasons in the National Hockey League, Jakob Silfverberg has decided to hang up his skates. The Anaheim Ducks winger, a familiar face and a fan favorite for over a decade, will retire from professional hockey, leaving behind a legacy marked by perseverance and sportsmanship.
A Look Back at Silfverberg’s NHL Journey
Drafted 39th overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 2009 NHL Draft, Silfverberg began his NHL career in Ottawa but is most renowned for his time with the Anaheim Ducks. He joined the Ducks in the summer of 2013 as part of a significant trade that sent Bobby Ryan to Ottawa. This deal also included Stefan Noesen and a first-round pick that turned into Nick Ritchie at the 2014 NHL Draft.
Over the course of his career, Silfverberg has been a reliable middle-six winger, amassing 373 points across 817 regular-season games and adding 45 points in 69 playoff appearances. His role in the Ducks’ lineup has been pivotal, providing both offensive production and stability on the ice.
Perseverance Through Challenges
Silfverberg’s career has not been without its hurdles. He battled through various injuries, including a significant setback from a blood clot in his right leg that caused him to miss the final 23 games of the 2021-22 season. Prior to that, he underwent hip surgery to correct a femoroacetabular impingement and repair a torn labrum, missing crucial games but returning strong each time. His resilience earned him Anaheim’s nomination for the 2022-23 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded to the player who best exemplifies qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.
Reflecting on Silfverberg’s Impact
At 33, Silfverberg’s decision to retire may come as a surprise to some, but those who have followed his career know the physical toll it has taken on him. His dedication to returning to the ice after each injury illustrates his commitment to the sport and his team. As he steps away, he leaves a legacy of a player who gave his all every game and who overcame adversity to contribute to his team consistently.
What’s Next for Silfverberg and the Ducks?
As Jakob Silfverberg transitions into retirement, the Ducks will look to fill the void left by a true veteran of the organization. For Silfverberg, retirement marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. We at Ballers extend our best wishes to Jakob in all his future endeavors and thank him for the memories he provided to hockey fans during his commendable NHL career. Jakob Silfverberg reti
rement