Tried to return again – 705 NHL games career over: “I did my best”
Matt Nieto is ending his playing career at the age of 33. The forward, who last represented the Pittsburgh Penguins, announced his decision on Instagram after 12 NHL seasons and 705 regular season games.
Nieto described in his message why he tried to return to the ice but ultimately decided to retire.
– In recent years, I have struggled with injuries, and playing at the highest level has been difficult. I took a break last season and did everything I could to find my way back. I am not retiring because I have stopped loving hockey. I am retiring because I loved it so much that I gave it my all, Nieto wrote.
Nieto played in the NHL for the San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche, and Pittsburgh Penguins. He scored 87 goals and collected 206 points in the regular season. In the playoffs, he played 62 games and scored 21 points.
In his final NHL seasons, 2023–24 and 2024–25, Nieto played a total of 54 games for the Penguins and recorded seven points. In the 2024–25 season, he also played 15 AHL games for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, with stats of 3+4.
Nieto thanked his teams, teammates, and family in his retirement message. He recalled starting roller hockey at the age of three in California and made it clear that hockey will remain a part of his life.
– I am not saying goodbye to hockey, just to being a player.
Read more
- Rasmus Ristolainen’s torment continues in the NHL – yet another terrible setback
- TPS star received a massive ban for biting – TS: Denies the accusations
- A terrible setback for SHL’s Finnish star in Sweden – a long sick leave is looming
- The league’s star defender received a suspension – the disciplinary committee dismissed the explanation
- IL: Jukka Jalonen’s new job was revealed
- IS: HIFK has signed the head coach of a competitor – negotiations are already advanced!
- Urheilucast: Jori Lehterä opened the door for the league’s championship favorite – this will decide everything!
- Lehtitieto: The Liiga club loses its point machine – a new club is already known!
- The Young Lions team announced – now the final performances are given before the World Championship selections
- Jussi Tapola steps aside from the Lions – an experienced name as a replacement