It is the season of goodbyes! There was a time when the Vancouver Canucks and Sweden man wasn’t thinking about reaching a thousand games–he was just hoping for an NHL opportunity. One game, one shift, just to say he made it. But the hockey gods had bigger plans. Fast forward to December 6 in Dallas, and Loui Eriksson found himself hitting that massive 1K milestone. Looking back, the 36-year-old couldn’t help but smile at how far he’d come. “I just wanted to be able to say that I played in one NHL game,” he admitted. But, of course, one turned into many.

Once he cracked the Dallas lineup, his hunger grew—more games, bigger roles, more responsibility. One goal led to another, and before he knew it, he was a staple in the league. And now, after years of chasing pucks, blocking shots, and leaving it all on the ice, this former Canucks star is officially hanging up his skates.

NHL news made it official on X on February 10th. “Loui Eriksson has officially retired from professional hockey at age 39,” the post read, sharing that his agency, @CAAHockey, announced it on IG. The 2003 second-round pick (33rd overall) wrapped up his 16-season NHL journey with 1,050 games and 613 points, making his mark with the Stars, Bruins, Canucks, and Coyotes.

And in his own words? “It’s time… After a year and a half of reflection, it’s time to officially retire. Hockey has given me more than I could have ever imagined.” Eriksson looked back on his career, embracing both the highs and lows. “At the end of the day, I’m so thankful for the memories that I’m bringing as I walk away from the game of hockey.” He also took his time to say thank you to his agents, teams, and supporters and also extend love to the Dallas Stars for assisting him to embrace the NHL lifestyle.. “The city of Dallas and the friends I crossed paths with through the years will forever have a special place in my heart.”

But Eriksson isn’t done with the game completely—he’s stepping into a new role as his kids’ biggest fan. “A new beginning has already started, and I’m so excited and proud to be my kids’ biggest supporter.” He encouraged the young athletes with the following words of encouragement: “Always follow your dreams and remember that hard work and grit can take you further than talent.”

Loui Eriksson’s Canucks days wrapped up in 2021 when he left for Arizona as a part of a trade deal that created a stir inside the hockey circles. And after one season with the Coyotes, he moved back to Sweden to play his last season in the SHL. And now as he bows out, he joins another Canucks legend in retirement.

The Swedish legend will be forever thankful to the city

In 2024, Canucks legend Alexander Edler closed the chapter on his remarkable career in the most fitting way—by returning for a one-day contract with the Vancouver team that defined his journey. After 15 seasons with the Canucks, including a run to the Stanley Cup finals in 2011, Edler’s impact on the ice was undeniable. Whether it was scoring crucial goals or making game-saving blocks, he gave everything to the team. And in return, Vancouver gave him a home he’ll never forget.

Edler considered himself lucky to have been able to spend his entire career in a part of the world that was so enamored with the sport of hockey and people who were so devoted to it. What made Vancouver even more special was that it introduced him to his wife. So, while he concluded his final two seasons in the NHL with the LA Kings, his heart remained with the Canucks.

In 1,030 regular-season games, he accumulated 439 points and left an indelible mark on the game. As he transitioned away from professional play, he departed with a legacy defined by determination, talent, and an unbreakable connection to the team that propelled him to stardom, alongside Eriksson.