San Jose Sharks captain Logan Couture has officially ended his playing career after a prolonged and painful battle with injury, closing the book on a memorable 15-year run with the franchise.
The 36-year-old forward, flanked by Sharks general manager Mike Grier, spoke to media at SAP Center on Tuesday, reflecting on the groin-related condition that ultimately forced his decision. Couture has been diagnosed with osteitis pubis — a chronic inflammation in the joint between the pubic bones — which made his return to NHL action increasingly unlikely.
“I loved and cherished every single moment that I got to play in this league,” Couture said. “It’s tough. It sucks. But it is what it is.”
Though Couture is stepping away from the game, he’s not expected to file formal retirement papers. Doing so would forfeit the remainder of his eight-year, $64 million contract extension signed in 2018, which still has two years remaining. By remaining under contract but not on the ice, Couture will continue to be paid while transitioning away from the game.
Couture has not played since Jan. 31, 2024, in Anaheim. That game turned out to be the sixth and final appearance of a season filled with setbacks and setbacks. After missing training camp due to the injury, Couture worked through months of rehabilitation and initially appeared optimistic about a potential return. However, the pain persisted.
“Through the whole process — that last game I played in Anaheim — I was in a ton of pain,” he said. “I took a second at the end of the game to kind of look around, just in case.”
Couture said he gave everything he had to get back on the ice, but his body wouldn’t cooperate. “I never got close,” he admitted. “I’d get two good days and then have to stop for a few. Around September to November, it became clear that it wasn’t going to work.”
The end is disappointing, but it doesn’t overshadow the impact Couture made during his time in San Jose. Drafted ninth overall in 2007, he became one of the franchise’s most recognizable and respected players. Over 933 regular-season games, Couture scored 323 goals and added 378 assists. His rookie campaign in 2010-11 produced 32 goals and 56 points, earning him runner-up honors in the Calder Trophy voting.
Couture’s scoring consistency continued throughout his career — with 10 seasons of 20 or more goals — highlighted by a career-best 34 goals in 2017-18. He recorded at least 60 points in five different seasons.
While his regular-season numbers were strong, Couture’s playoff performances elevated his legacy. In 116 postseason games, he scored 48 goals and registered 101 points. His most memorable run came in 2016, when he led the Sharks with 30 points in 24 games during their only Stanley Cup Final appearance. He followed that up with another strong showing in 2019, leading the team with 14 goals and 20 points as San Jose reached the Western Conference Final.
Couture succeeded Joe Pavelski as Sharks captain in 2019 after Pavelski departed for Dallas in free agency. Although injuries kept Couture off the ice, the Sharks never named a replacement. Grier explained in January that there was no rush to change leadership roles.
“As long as he’s here, he’ll be the captain,” Grier said. “All that stuff is earned over time. People lead in their own ways.”
With Couture now officially stepping aside, the door is open for the Sharks to reassess their leadership structure. While some teams go without a captain for a transitional period, speculation will naturally turn to top prospect Macklin Celebrini, who could be viewed as a future leader of the franchise.
Couture’s relationship with San Jose extended beyond the rink. Known for his professionalism, quiet leadership, and dedication to the city, he was a fan favorite throughout his career. In March, Couture reflected on the role hockey played in his life since he was a child.
“I dreamed of playing in the NHL,” he said. “My parents have photos of me with a stick in my hand at age two. I was obsessed with sports my whole life.”
Now, Couture leaves the game with nothing left to prove — his name etched into Sharks history, and his influence sure to remain in the locker room even in retirement.
Photo: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
