Yardbarker
x
14-Year Veteran Goaltender Hangs Up the Dobby Mask
Main Photo: Jerome Miron- Imagn Images

Anton Khudobin is retiring after a 14-year NHL career. The 39-year old spent last season in the All-Russian Hockey League. Khudobin last played in the NHL during the 2022-23 season, in which he appeared in a game with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Khudobin Retires

A fan favorite in the league, Khudobin retires with a 114-92-33 record to go alongside a .916 save percentage and a 2.52 goals against average. He was drafted by the Minnesota Wild in 2004 and his NHL debut with the team in the 2009-10 season. Khudobin also played for the Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars, Carolina Hurricanes, Anaheim Ducks, and the aforementioned stint in Chicago.

Best Season

His best season was in 2019-20. He went 16-8-4 in 26 games. He posted a 930 save percentage and a 2.22 goals-against average. Furthermore, Khudobin helped the Stars reach the Stanley Cup Final. Unfortunately for the team, they were defeated in six games.

“Dobby is a Free Elf!”

Khudobin was given a nickname by teammate Alexander Radulov in 2018 that would inspire Khudobin’s goalie mask artwork. For reasons seemingly unknown, Radulov bestowed the nickname, “Dobby,” upon Khudobin. Despite never reading the books or seeing the movies, Khudobin was aware he shared the nickname with the popular Harry Potter character.

In 2018, Khudobin debuted his new goalie mask. The mask included a depiction of Dobby on on side and a Stars-themed sock on the other.

Perhaps now that he has time on his hands, the goaltender will start reading the famous books and seeing the movies. However, we do suggest starting with the books, Anton.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!