Logan Couture Retires: Sharks Captain Reflects on Distinguished Career

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Logan Couture, the long-time captain of the San Jose Sharks, announced his retirement from professional hockey on April 15, 2025, during an emotional press conference at the SAP Center. After a 16-season career, Couture is stepping back from the game due to ongoing health issues that have plagued him recently.

Couture, who turned 36 in March, has been sidelined for the entire 2024-25 season because of osteitis pubis, a painful condition characterized by inflammation of the pubic symphysis. He played only six games last season. “I’m not physically able to play anymore,” Couture said, reflecting on his decision. “It’s tough. It sucks. But it is what it is. I loved and cherished every single moment that I got to play in this league. The NHL is everything that I thought it would be when I was a kid.”

Over his career, Couture established himself as one of the Sharks’ cornerstone players. Drafted with the ninth overall pick in the 2007 NHL Draft, he finished his tenure with 323 goals and 378 assists in 933 regular-season games, along with 48 goals and 101 points across 116 playoff matches. His postseason performances solidified his reputation, particularly during the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs when he led the Sharks to their first-ever Stanley Cup Final.

Couture’s performance during that playoff run was remarkable, with 10 goals and 30 points in 24 games, which helped secure his status as a franchise legend. He also played a critical role in the Sharks’ journey to the Western Conference Finals in 2019, amassing 14 goals and 20 points during that playoff stretch. Until now, it was the Sharks’ last trip to the conference finals.

Speaking about his commitment to the Sharks, general manager Mike Grier praised Couture as “one of the greatest players” in franchise history, noting his leadership and clutch playoff performance. “You were a clutch playoff performer, dominant in the playoffs. In the biggest games and in the biggest moments, you were at your best,” Grier said.

Couture officially became captain of the Sharks in September 2019, succeeding Joe Pavelski. At the time of his retirement, the Sharks are currently in a rebuilding phase and hold the worst record in the league with a 20-49-12 mark. The team is actively working on drafting new talent to ensure a brighter future.

Reflecting on his time with the Sharks organization, Couture expressed gratitude toward his teammates and fans. “I want to thank the Sharks organization and all of my teammates over the course of my career. And most especially, thank you to the Sharks and hockey fans around the world for your continued support,” he stated.

As Couture prepares to step away from hockey, he plans to focus on family, spending time with his two young children. He acknowledged that while he loves the game, it’s time for a new chapter. “I feel like I know the game well. I can think the game well, so I do see a future but not anytime too soon. I’m just going to take some time with the kids and figure it out from there,” he shared.

Logan Couture’s retirement marks the end of an era for the San Jose Sharks, as the team looks to grow and rebuild using the foundation he helped establish. Although he is leaving the ice, Couture’s contributions to the franchise and the memories created with fans and teammates will be remembered long after his departure.