Chicago Blackhawks Alumnus Martin Havlat Announces Retirement

Martin Havlat helped the Chicago Blackhawks back to the postseason in 2009, and on Wednesday he announced his retirement from hockey

Chicago Blackhawks alumnus Martin Havlat called in a career on Wednesday. Havlat was the 26th overall pick of 1999 NHL Draft by the Ottawa Senators.

In his first year with the Senators, he was a finalist for the Calder Trophy and was given the nickname “Mach 9” because of the number he wore. Havlat would stay with the Senators until 2006-07.

He was traded to the Blackhawks along with Bryan Smolinski in a three-team deal that saw the San Jose Sharks get Mark Bell, Tom Preissing and Josh Hennessy. In his five years with Ottawa, Havlat appeared in 298 games, recording 105 goals and 130 assists.

The Blackhawks years

Chicago Blackhawks

Upon joining the Blackhawks, Havlat signed a three-yea, $18 million contract. He would score two goals in his ’Hawks debut.

His first year was productive with 25 goals and 32 assists for 57 points. His second year would be limited to 35 games because of injuries. He would score 10 goals and record 17 assists.

His third year was 2008-09, when the ’Hawks made a surprise run to the Western Conference finals. Havlat had his best NHL season, registering 77 points during the regular season. In the playoffs, Havlat would once again lead the team in points with 15, one ahead of Patrick Kane.

After that season, Havlat engaged in intense negotiations with then general manager Dale Tallon. Tallon and Havlat would not come to an agreement, and Havlat would tweet his feelings after the negotiations with the Blackhawks failed.

He appeared in 172 games with the ’Hawks, scoring 64 goals with 97 assists for 161 points. The Blackhawks would shift gears and end up signing Marian Hossa to replace Havlat. Hossa was the better signing for the Blackhawks in hindsight, three Stanley Cup championships later.

Minnesota Wild and beyond

In 2009-10, Havlat would find a new home in Minnesota with the Wild. He signed a six-year, $30 million contract with the Wild.

Havlat’s time in Minnesota was a disaster. Havlat would spend two seasons in Minnesota before being shipped to San Jose for Dany Heatley. In Minnesota, Havlat appeared in 151 games, recording 40 goals and 76 assists.

In San Jose, Havlat was injury-riddled. He spent three seasons (2011-14) there before being bought out due to poor play and poor health. He the first player in San Jose Sharks history to be bought out. He played in 127 games, notching 27 goals and 40 assists.

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After San Jose, Havlat landed in New Jersey for a season in 2014-15. He appeared in 40 games,  scoring five goals with nine assists. He would not be tendered a contract after his one-year stint in New Jersey. He would make a cameo with the Blues in 2015-16. He appeared in two games before being placed on unconditional waivers.

Havlat finishes his NHL career with 790 games played, 242 goals and 353 assists.