SAN JOSE - Joel Hanley, a name that might not have always been in the spotlight, is set to hit a significant milestone tonight as he takes the ice for his 300th NHL game. This time, he's donning the Flames' jersey against the Sharks, marking a remarkable chapter in his decade-long journey through the NHL.
Reflecting on his career, Hanley shared, “It's taken me a long time. It’s just a fun ride and a great journey, just not taking a day for granted.
Any day here in the NHL is a special day.” His path has been anything but conventional.
Starting undrafted, Hanley signed an AHL deal after his stint at the University of Massachusetts and eventually secured his first NHL contract with the Canadiens in 2015.
The turning point came in 2020 when Hanley was called up by the Dallas Stars. He became a fixture in their lineup during their memorable run to the Stanley Cup Final, even netting his first NHL goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 1.
“It’s been crazy,” Hanley recounted. “I spent some time in the East Coast League, and then obviously in the AHL. There were definitely some tough days, but having a good support group and believing in myself made the difference.”
His journey continued with ups and downs, including a stint in and out of the lineup in Dallas. The narrative was similar when he arrived in Calgary two years ago, claimed off waivers in March 2024.
Initially, he played only 10 games with the Flames that spring. However, under coach Ryan Huska, Hanley found his stride alongside MacKenzie Weegar, setting a personal best with 53 games last season.
Tonight, he’ll suit up for his 54th game of the 2025-26 campaign.
Coach Huska praised Hanley’s resilience and team spirit, saying, “He’s the ultimate teammate. Even when he missed almost two months, he stayed ready. When his chance came, he was excellent and hasn’t left our lineup since.”
At 34, Hanley balances his on-ice commitments with family life. His recent two-year, $3.5 million contract extension isn’t just a financial milestone; it’s a testament to his perseverance and dedication.
“My family’s been a big part of that,” Hanley said. “Coming home to them, having little ones, it helps. Coaches like John Slaney in Portland and Rick Bowness in Dallas had a huge impact on me.”
As he gears up for tonight’s game, Hanley’s story is one of grit, determination, and the unwavering support of those around him. It’s a journey that continues to inspire, proving that hard work and resilience can carve out a lasting legacy in the NHL.