In a heart-wrenching turn of events, San Jose Sharks captain Logan Couture is poised to announce his retirement on Tuesday, after grappling with a debilitating groin injury for the past two years.

Couture, flanked by Sharks general manager Mike Grier, will address the media at SAP Center, detailing his challenges in returning to the ice. Sources close to the team reveal that while Couture is stepping away, he won’t officially retire, allowing him to collect payment on the remaining two years of his lucrative eight-year, $64 million contract signed in 2018.

The 36-year-old has been battling osteitis pubis, an inflammation in the pelvic joint that often sidelines athletes by causing severe groin pain. This injury has kept Couture from the ice entirely this season, with his last appearance registered on January 31, 2024, in Anaheim. Last season was particularly rough, as he only managed to play six games after extensive rehab efforts.

Couture’s exit marks the end of an era for one of the Sharks’ most revered figures, a player synonymous with the team’s successful past and Stanley Cup aspirations. Drafted ninth overall in 2007, Couture played 933 regular-season games over 15 seasons with the Sharks, netting an impressive 323 goals and 378 assists.

His rookie season in 2010-11 showcased his talent with 32 goals, leading to a second-place finish in the Calder Trophy race. Determined and consistent, he enjoyed a remarkable career with ten seasons surpassing 20 goals, capped by a personal best of 34 goals in 2017-18.

Couture’s legacy will largely hinge on his postseason heroics, where he shone brightest. With 48 goals in 116 playoff games, he was instrumental in the Sharks’ journeys to the Stanley Cup Final in 2016 and the Western Conference Finals in 2019, leading the team in scoring during these crucial runs.

After a recent town hall meeting with season-ticket holders, Grier affirmed that the captaincy will remain with Couture, as long as he is part of the team. Grier emphasized, "He’ll always be the captain, and I’m not one to rush into naming a new captain right away. Leadership takes time to earn."

With Couture stepping back, the Sharks face an opportunity for change. While they may opt to go without a captain temporarily, the spotlight now shines on rookie sensation Macklin Celebrini as a potential successor.

As fans prepare to bid farewell to a player who has given so much to the franchise, Couture's journey serves as a poignant reminder of the toll that professional sports can take on even the most accomplished athletes.