Riley Sheahan has announced his retirement from the NHL after a 12-season career. The 32-year-old forward last suited up for two games with the Buffalo Sabres in the 2022-23 season, also spending time with the AHL's Rochester Americans and EHC Biel-Bienne in Switzerland's National League.
Throughout his NHL journey, Sheahan recorded 194 points, including 74 goals and 120 assists, in 637 regular-season games. He played for several teams, including the Sabres, Seattle Kraken, Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Detroit Red Wings. Notably, he scored the first preseason goal in Kraken history on September 26, 2021.
Sheahan's career journey
Drafted by Detroit as the 21st overall pick in the 2010 NHL Draft, Sheahan also participated in 33 playoff games, contributing seven points (three goals, four assists).
Reflecting on his career, he expressed mixed feelings about retirement: "You definitely get voices in your head saying, 'I wish I could still be doing this. I feel debatably like I do have some juice left, but you kind of have to make the agreement what’s best for you and my family. Sometimes it's hard. As a high-end athlete, I think we're all wired kind of the same way to keep pushing for the next thing and to keep pushing, never be satisfied, that whole thing," Sheahan shared with BP Sports Niagara.
Road Ahead
Originally from Ontario and having played in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League, Sheahan will now transition into coaching and player development with the Niagara North Stars, a youth hockey team in St. Catharines.
Before turning pro, Sheahan had a strong collegiate career with the University of Notre Dame, where he posted a promising 22-point season in 2010-11. At the NHL Draft Combine, he spoke with 26 teams and was ultimately selected by the Red Wings after being ranked 22nd among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting.
After spending time developing his skills in the AHL, Sheahan made his NHL debut and began to make an impact. He was part of the Grand Rapids team that won the Calder Cup in 2013 and saw steady progression in his offensive output over the following seasons. After several trades and stints with different teams, he played his final games with the Sabres and EHC Biel before retiring on October 16, 2024, closing a notable chapter in his hockey career to focus on coaching.
