An emotional Joe Pavelski finally responds to retirement rumors

This just in, veteran Dallas Stars forward Joe Pavelski has confirmed the rumors... he doesn't plan on returning to the NHL next season and will officially retire this offseason.

From Stars insider Taylor Baird:

Pavelski made it clear that his retirement isn't official,  but the plan is to hang up the skates for good this summer.

The 39 year old put up an impressive 27 goals and 67 points in 82 games for the Stars this past season. In total, he has 476 goals and 1068 points in 1332 games split between the Stars and the San Jose Sharks.

More to come on this developing story.