Today, veteran NHL defenseman Marco Scandella officially announced his retirement from professional hockey, closing the chapter on a remarkable 14-year career in the National Hockey League. The 35-year-old Montreal native, who last played for the St. Louis Blues in the 2023-24 season, shared the news that he has decided to hang up his skates following a career that spanned 784 regular-season games.
Scandella, drafted 55th overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, leaves behind a legacy defined by consistency, resilience, and a strong defensive presence. Over his career, he played for four NHL teams: the Minnesota Wild, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, and St. Louis Blues. His journey included 51 goals and 119 assists for 170 points, along with nearly 300 penalty minutes, reflecting his physical style of play.
Scandella’s NHL career began with the Minnesota Wild in the 2010-11 season, where he made his debut against the Florida Panthers on November 12, 2010. He quickly established himself as a reliable defenseman, particularly during his breakout 2013-14 season, where he formed a formidable defensive pairing with longtime friend Jared Spurgeon. His best season came in 2014-15, when he recorded a career-high 11 goals and 23 points in 64 games, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively while maintaining defensive stability.
During his seven seasons with the Wild, Scandella played 373 games, scoring 27 goals and 62 assists. His tenure included significant playoff contributions, helping the Wild upset top-seeded teams like the Colorado Avalanche in the 2013-14 and 2014-15 postseasons.
In 2017, Scandella was traded to the Buffalo Sabres, where he played for two and a half seasons, including a career-high 82-game season in 2017-18, averaging over 23 minutes of ice time per game. His time in Buffalo was marked by steady defensive play, though his offensive output was modest, with 14 goals and 30 assists in 176 games.
In January 2020, Scandella was traded to his hometown Montreal Canadiens, fulfilling a childhood dream of playing for the team he grew up idolizing. His stint with the Canadiens was brief, lasting just 20 games, but he described the experience as “surreal,” especially playing at the Bell Centre in front of family and friends. A month later, he was traded to the St. Louis Blues, where he spent the final four and a half seasons of his career.
With the Blues, Scandella appeared in 215 games, adding depth and reliability to their defensive core. His most productive season in St. Louis came in 2020-21, when he tallied 24 points in 49 games. However, injuries, including a significant hip injury in the 2022-23 season that limited him to 20 games, and salary cap constraints prevented the Blues from re-signing him for the 2024-25 season.
Beyond the NHL, Scandella represented Canada on the international stage, earning a gold medal at the 2008 World Under-18 Championships and a silver medal at the 2010 World Junior Championships. His international contributions added to his impressive resume, which also included 42 points in 96 AHL games.
Off the ice, Scandella’s commitment to community and generosity has left a lasting impact. In April 2025, he donated $30,000 to his former school, Royal Vale in Montreal, to fund scholarships for graduating students. The school honored him by naming its refurbished fitness centre after him, recognizing his dedication to giving back to the community that shaped him. Scandella, who is trilingual (English, Italian, and French), attributes his strong sense of family and community to his parents and teachers at Royal Vale.
Despite receiving offers to continue his career in Europe, Scandella chose to retire, citing a desire to focus on family and new endeavors. His career was marked by perseverance through injuries, including finger, head, and groin issues early on, and a hip injury later in his tenure with the Blues. Fans and teammates alike remember him as a steady, physical defenseman who brought leadership and heart to every team he played for.
St. Louis Blues on X (formerly Twitter): “A steady presence on and off the ice, who always repped the ‘Note with pride.Congrats on a great career and enjoy retirement Scandy 👏 pic.twitter.com/gTPwiMo1xJ / X”
A steady presence on and off the ice, who always repped the ‘Note with pride.Congrats on a great career and enjoy retirement Scandy 👏 pic.twitter.com/gTPwiMo1xJ
As Scandella embarks on the next chapter of his life, he remains based in Montreal, where he plans to stay connected to his alma mater and explore new opportunities. While he has not ruled out a future in coaching, his immediate focus is on enjoying time with family and pursuing personal passions, including his love for luxury sports cars.
Marco Scandella’s retirement marks the end of an era for a player who embodied dedication, toughness, and a deep connection to the game. His 784 NHL games, international accolades, and community contributions ensure that his legacy will endure both on and off the ice. Congratulations, Marco, on an incredible career.
