Former Capitals C Mathieu Perreault On Retirement: ‘Been Living A Dream’

The Washington Capitals saw one of their former top prospects and forwards hang up the skates this week, as Mathieu Perreault announced his retirement after 13 NHL seasons.

As he joined the NHL Alumni club, the 34-year-old took the time to reflect on his career and decision to retire.

“For the past 13 years, I have been living a dream. After having several weeks to reflect and discuss with my wife, Jennilie, and our family, I have decided to retire from the National Hockey League… I love hockey and I am so thankful for everything the game has given me and I want to take the opportunity to thank all of my coaches and teammates, the Washington Capitals, the Anaheim Ducks and the Montreal Canadiens for giving me a chance to close out my career wearing the bleu, blanc et rouge,” Perreault said in his NHLPA statement.

“To the city of Winnipeg and the Jets organization, thank you for giving my family and me seven amazing years. Winnipeg will always hold a special place in our hearts. Lastly, to the best fans of the greatest game in the world, merci beaucoup et a bientot.”

Washington also paid tribute to him on Twitter.

MATTY P!

Sending our congrats to a 2006 Capitals draft pick on a great career as he heads into retirement.

Enjoy the extra time with your family, chum!#ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/q0Yu13cP2M

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) September 11, 2022

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Perreault originally joined the NHL ranks with the Capitals after going 177th overall in the sixth round of the 2006 NHL Draft. After back-to-back 100-point seasons with the QMJHL’s Acadie-Bathurst Titan — the same team top center prospect Hendrix Lapierre plays for now — Perreault worked his way up to the pros and got ice time up with the Capitals and AHL-affiliate Hershey Bears before making a full-time transition to the Show. In four years with Hershey, the 5-10, 189-pound center dished 38 goals and 97 assists for 135 points in 167 games. He also helped the Bears capture the 2009 Calder Cup Championship.

Over four seasons in Washington, Perreault scored 33 goals and 37 assists for 70 points in 159 games. He also quickly became a fan favorite in the area after his famous shootout celebration.

Ultimately, his Capitals tenure ended in 2013, when he signed with the Anaheim Ducks. Perreault would play one season there before staying with the Winnipeg Jets for seven years. There, he established himself as a top forward and collected 230 points (88 goals, 142 assists) in 455 games. With Perreault, the Jets made the playoffs five teams and for four straight years from 2018 to 2021. No. 85 never won a Cup, but did help Winnipeg to the Western Conference Final in 2018 and finished with eight Stanley Cup Playoff runs on his resume.

Perreault finished out his career this past season with his hometown Montreal Canadiens. The Drummondville, Quebec native played in just 25 games this past season, picking up four goals and five assists.