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Former Golden Knight, Stanley Cup champion announces retirement

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Derek Hegna | Last updated Apr 13, 2025 11:21 AM ET

After sixteen seasons in the NHL, defenseman Alec Martinez is deciding to call it a career.

Currently with the Chicago Blackhawks, Martinez announced that their game on Saturday against the Winnipeg Jets would be the last of his NHL career.

“Obviously a lot of different emotions today…just very thankful, very appreciative,” said Martinez during his pregame interview.

“Obviously a lot of different emotions today…just very thankful, very appreciative.”

An emotional Alec Martinez spoke to @Panger40 ahead of his final game at the United Center. #BlackhawksCountdownLive pic.twitter.com/ooEdgJR8AQ

— Blackhawks on CHSN (@CHSN_Blackhawks) April 12, 2025

Drafted in the fourth round of the 2007 NHL Draft by the Los Angeles Kings, Martinez earned his spot as a full-time NHL player during the 2010-11 season. It did not take long for him to become a fixture in the Kings lineup, starting in both of Los Angeles’ championship runs in the 2011-12 and 2013-14 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The latter saw Martinez produce one of the most iconic moments in NHL history, scoring the game-winning goal in Game Six in double overtime to give the Kings their second Stanley Cup in three years.

Alec Martinez may be on his way to Vegas, but the moment he scored the goal that won the 2014 #StanleyCup will live in @LAKings history forever. pic.twitter.com/SW34mQs7EJ

— NBC Sports Hockey (@NBCSportsHockey) February 19, 2020

In 2020, Martinez was traded to the Golden Knights in exchange for two second-round picks. He would continue his strong play in Vegas, including winning his third Stanley Cup in 2023.

Exactly nine years later TO THE DAY, Alec Martinez (@amartinez_27) and Jonathan Quick hoist the #StanleyCup once again. pic.twitter.com/Y3mnlBYsle

— NHL (@NHL) June 14, 2023