Pierre-Édouard Bellemare Bids Farewell to Hockey After Two Decades

Pierre-Édouard Bellemare has officially announced his retirement from professional hockey, concluding a remarkable 20-year journey. The French forward leaves behind an impressive legacy, having played 700 games in the NHL.

Before making his way to North America at the age of 29, Bellemare showcased his skills in Sweden, where he made a significant impact. He began his professional career with Leksands IF and later joined Skelleftea AIK, leading the team to consecutive championships in the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons.

In 2014-15, Bellemare took a step into the NHL by signing with the Philadelphia Flyers, where he played for three seasons, participating in 237 games and accumulating 34 points. He then became a key player for the Vegas Golden Knights, contributing 31 points during his two seasons with the team. His later stints included seasons with the Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning, and he ultimately wrapped up his NHL career with the Seattle Kraken.

Throughout his time in the NHL, Bellemare recorded 64 goals and 74 assists, totaling 138 points. Following his career in North America, he spent two seasons with Ajoie HC in the Swiss league. Bellemare also had the honor of representing France multiple times, with his most recent appearance being at the 2026 Winter Olympics.