Max McCormick Retires from Hockey After Impressive Career at 34

After more than a decade of dedication to professional hockey, Max McCormick, the former Ottawa Senators forward, has announced his retirement. The 34-year-old made this difficult decision following a hip surgery that sidelined him for the entire 2025-26 AHL season. McCormick’s last active season saw him play just 19 games, allowing him time to come to terms with the end of his playing career.

As captain of the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the AHL affiliate of the Seattle Kraken, McCormick became a fan favorite. He leaves the franchise as its all-time leader in goals with 67 and ranks second in points with 140, having played 158 games in total, marking him as one of the team’s all-time greats.

McCormick spent four and a half seasons with the Senators organization, appearing in 71 NHL games. A sixth-round pick in the 2011 draft out of the USHL, he played three collegiate seasons with Ryan Dzingel at Ohio State, who was selected just one round later in the same draft. Reflecting on his journey, McCormick stated, “The decision to retire from the game I have loved for as long as I can remember has not been easy, and as much as I wish I could play forever, it’s time to hang up the skates.”

He made his NHL debut on October 24, 2015, and scored his first NHL goal in his tenth game on January 7, 2016. After his time with Ottawa, McCormick was traded to the Colorado Avalanche for J.C. Beaudin, who played 22 games with the Senators, recording one assist.

McCormick also had stints with the Carolina Hurricanes and the Seattle Kraken. He was named the inaugural captain of the Firebirds, a role he held throughout his four years with the team. His first two seasons were particularly successful, as he led the Firebirds to back-to-back finals appearances while rediscovering his scoring prowess.

“Looking back on my career, I’m filled with nothing but gratitude and pride,” McCormick reflected. “Hockey has given me so many great memories, lifelong friendships, and opportunities I could have never imagined. I’m thankful to every organization, teammate, coach, and fan who was a part of my journey. I will forever cherish everything this game has given me.”

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.