Mark Borowiecki announces retirement from NHL after 12 seasons

Borowiecki played just four games in the 2022-23 season. He sustained an injury in late October and never returned to the Predators lineup. The Ottawa, Ontario native was always a positive presence in any locker room he’s been in throughout his career.

“Well, I have something to share,” Borowiecki wrote in his Instagram post. “After a lot of time, thought, love, and support, I have decided that my career as a professional hockey player has come to an end. I am so appreciative of everyone who has helped me along the way. Especially the Senators, where my career began, and the Predators where my career ended.”

The Predators have implied that there is a path for him to continue working for the organization in a non-player capacity.

“If he doesn’t want to play anymore, I certainly would like to talk to him,” former Predators general manager David Poile said when asked about Borowiecki’s plans. “I’ve talked to Barry [Trotz] and John [Hynes] about that. Boro’s been around all the time. I said to him yesterday we missed Boro in our lineup — not only his physical presence, but the person that he is. He’s a real mentor to the younger guys.”

Borowiecki began his playing career with the Smiths Falls Bears of the Canadian Junior Hockey League. He had an unlikely path to the NHL as a bruising defenseman. After getting drafted by his hometown team, the Senators, in 2008, he attended Clarkson University.

After three seasons in the Canadian university system, not typically known for producing NHL talent, Borowiecki earned a spot on the Belleville Senators roster out of sheer work ethic and determination. It took a few more years of hard work but eventually, he earned a full-time spot on the Senators against all odds.

Borowiecki appeared in 458 NHL games throughout his career and scored 15 goals and 56 points, along with 848 penalty minutes in that span.