Veteran goaltender Curtis McElhinney was unable to find a team to sign with in free agency and rather than opt to try his hand at a tryout somewhere, he has instead called it a career, updating his Instagram profile to state that he has now retired.
The 38-year-old was never truly able to establish himself as a starter in the NHL but that didn’t stop him from having a long career as a backup. Following a strong season with Carolina as a 35-year-old in 2018-19, McElhinney was able to land a two-year deal with Tampa Bay that just ended this summer. He posted a 2.97 GAA along with a .895 SV% in 30 games with the Lightning over that stretch while winning a pair of Stanley Cups along the way; going out on top is never a bad way to go.
McElhinney played for eight different teams over his 13-year NHL career after being a sixth-round pick in 2002 by Calgary, spanning 249 appearances. He hangs up his skates with a 94-95-20 record along with a 2.83 GAA and a .907 SV% along with a dozen shutouts. PHR wishes him well in his retirement.
I always like this guy …. Sad… happy retirement
Long career + two Cups, best of wishes for a great retirement !
Curtis McElhinney, Tiger Hockey. Proud C.C. alum. Happy Retirement!
Congratulations, Curtis! TY for helping the Bolts win two cups, in a difficult role. True professional.
I used to work with a guy that sharpened skates with Calgary when he was there and he told me that Curtis McElhinney was a first class gentleman.
I liked his work when he was in Toronto and wished we kept him on…
We remember him well in Springfield, where he set the record for shutouts in a single season with the Falcons. Enjoy your retirement, sir!