The hockey world has seen plenty of drama lately. With the Stanley Cup Playoffs underway, fans are treated to thrilling on-ice action—and off the ice, there has been no shortage of headlines. Earlier today, Finnish star Valtteri Filppula announced he’s ending his illustrious NHL career. A standout in the mid-2000s and a reliable two-way center, his retirement is a major blow to Finland’s hockey community.

The 41-year-old called an end to his illustrious career after 22 seasons, in which 16 were in the NHL. During the course of his career, he played for teams like the Red Wings, Tampa Bay Lightning, Philadelphia Flyers, and New York Islanders. Notably, he played 1056 games in the league and went on to become one of the greatest Finnish players ever to have played in the NHL.

During his stellar career, Filppula had 530 points (197 goals, 333 assists) and also won the 2008 Stanley Cup with the Red Wings. His NHL career lasted from 2005 to 2021, following which he played in the Swiss league and the Finnish second division league. Talking about his retirement a few months back, Filppula said, “I think if everything goes as planned right now, it would be a really great way to step out and let the young guys play. I’m excited. I hope it goes well.”

Furthermore, Filppula is also a member of the famed “Triple Gold Club,” as he possesses a Stanley Cup ring and gold medals in the 2022 Beijing Olympics and the 2022 IIHF World Championship. Amid his exploits for the Red Wings, the club’s biggest fan, Sivire Manninan, heaped praise on him, saying, “Val is everything for Jokerit. He started here, and he came back; 40 years old, and he comes back here. It means everything to this team and this organization.”

Before his retirement, Filppula was playing in the Finnish league in his native country. He served a dual role as a player and an owner and enjoyed his time out there.

Valtteri Filppula reminisces about his time in the Finnish league

The 41-year-old is a native of Vantaa in Finland and played for Jokerit, the club of his youth, before his retirement. The club plays in the second division in Finland, but Filppula was excited to be back in his hometown. While he played freely as a player and also as an owner, Filppula went on to score 13 points (six goals, seven assists) in the league.

Reminiscing about his time playing for Jokerit, Filppula said, “I’m excited to be back. Obviously, the hockey is a little bit different than I have been playing the last little bit. It’s a good time, a lot of young players, so it makes me feel young.” Despite having a legendary career, Filppula shrugged off comparisons with Jaromir Jagr, saying, “He’s been doing it for 10 years, and I definitely don’t have that in me. It’s been a good example that a guy of that stature is doing that. It’s fun to watch him.”

This shows his down-to-earth nature, something that young fans can take note of. Indeed, the hockey community would feel a big void with the retirement of Filppula.