Anton Khudobin Retires After 14 NHL Seasons Marked by Grit, Reliability, and a Memorable 2020 Playoff Run

Anton Khudobin
Anton Khudobin (NHL)

Anton Khudobin has announced his retirement from professional hockey, closing the chapter on a 14-season NHL career. His final NHL appearance came during the 2022-23 season with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he started one game and made 22 saves in a 6-1 loss. After his NHL stint, Khudobin continued playing in Russia during the 2023-24 season, suiting up for Sibir Novosibirsk in the KHL and Sokol Krasnoyarsk in the VHL.

Drafted 206th overall by the Minnesota Wild in 2004, Khudobin carved out a solid NHL career as a dependable goaltender. He posted a 114-92-33 record with a 2.52 goals-against average, a .916 save percentage, and 11 shutouts over 260 regular-season games. His journeyman path took him through six NHL teams, including the Wild, Bruins, Hurricanes, Ducks, Stars, and Blackhawks.

Anton Khudobin
Anton Khudobin (NHL)

Khudobin’s 2020 Playoff Heroics Defined His Legacy As A Dependable, Clutch Performer

Khudobin’s most memorable run came during the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs, when he took over as the Dallas Stars’ starting goalie. He backstopped the team through a deep playoff push, going 14-10 with a 2.63 GAA and .919 save percentage over 27 postseason games. His efforts were instrumental in the Stars reaching the Stanley Cup Final, where they ultimately fell to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Beyond the NHL, Khudobin also had a strong presence in the AHL, appearing in 230 regular-season games and 21 playoff games. Known for his upbeat personality, work ethic, and reliability in net, Khudobin leaves behind a legacy as a well-respected veteran who consistently rose to the occasion when called upon.