Following his retirement announcement at the conclusion of the previous season, Jeff Carter eagerly anticipated his new role as a full-time father.

“It’s true that being a hockey player means missing out on a lot of things – it’s a constant in and out,” he explained. “My family made many sacrifices to support me in pursuing my dream. Now, I want to prioritize being present at home and being a father, and then I’ll take it from there.”

The Carters have been busy for the past three months since Jeff appeared in his final NHL game on April 18 versus the New York Islanders. In addition to starring in the team’s schedule release video, they’ve spent a lot of time in the pool whenever son Caden and daughter Emersyn have breaks from their numerous activities.

Special delivery! It’s Big Jeff Carter with a not-so-big schedule release.

Details: https://t.co/X3mhCo3C4c pic.twitter.com/dDdrJdvcwB

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) July 2, 2024

Jeff, 39, expressed, “Each day seems to bring something new, doesn’t it? With my daughter being 6 and my son being 7, it’s always uncertain what to expect. This keeps me alert and engaged. Lately, we’ve been exploring sports and various activities. It’s truly rewarding to witness them tackle these challenges and learn along the way.”

Jeff, a veteran presence from his playing days, smiled as he talked about his parenting style. “When it comes to rules, I tend to be a bit stern, but my kids actually do a great job of following them,” he shared. “However, there are also moments when I believe it’s important to let them be free and let their imagination run wild. I believe children need that freedom. So, we’re constantly trying to strike a balance. Overall, it’s been an enjoyable journey.”

This summer represents a significant change for Jeff, as it is the first time in almost twenty years that he hasn’t dedicated his time to training for an NHL season. Jeff began his professional hockey career with Philadelphia in 2005 and accumulated an impressive record of 442 goals, 409 assists, and 851 points throughout 1,321 games.

Carter expressed, “Throughout the past 19-20 years, I have adhered to a strict schedule, even during the offseason. However, now that my days revolve around other people’s schedules, it feels somewhat unfamiliar. Nonetheless, I find pleasure in this change and we are gradually adapting.”

After spending previous summers in California, the Carter family has decided to settle in Pittsburgh on a full-time basis. Jeff, who won two Stanley Cups during his tenure with the Kings over the course of 10 seasons, was acquired by the Penguins from Los Angeles at the 2021 trade deadline.

Jeff, who hails from London, Ontario, expressed his genuine affection for the place since their arrival. He described it as effortlessly easy-going and laid-back. Meanwhile, his wife Megan, originally from central Pennsylvania, also shared the sentiment. They found solace in the fact that both their families are located on the East Coast, enabling them to foster closer connections. Moreover, they took immense pleasure in the region’s diverse seasons and the multitude of outdoor activities available in town. All in all, their experience has been overwhelmingly positive.

Before parting ways, Jeff and his former teammates in the Pittsburgh area enjoyed some quality time together. They engaged in activities such as golfing and attending concerts. Upon their return, Jeff intends to propose a proposition to Evgeni Malkin regarding lawn maintenance. As a retirement gift, his friends surprised him with a Toro TimeCutter riding lawnmower, which he adores.

Jeff chuckled, saying, “I’ll be giving Geno a ring in the near future. I’ll make sure to offer him a fantastic deal. You know, this lawnmower has been put to good use, at least twice every week. It’s a pleasant experience; it takes me about an hour to complete the task, and I usually seize the opportunity when the house is empty. It’s like a mini escape for me. I must admit, it has brought me immense joy.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins)

Once September rolls around and hockey starts up again, the aspect that Carter will miss the most is the strong bond and sense of camaraderie found within the locker room.

He expressed his love for playing hockey and acknowledged that it was time for him to move on. He believed that the most significant aspect would be the camaraderie and bonding with his teammates at the rink. Although the friendships remained intact, he anticipated a slight adjustment in his daily routine.

Carter remained uncertain about what lies ahead and whether he will continue to be involved in the arena in any way.

Carter expressed, with a smile, that he intends to observe the situation for a while and assess how things unfold. However, he would be delighted to remain engaged in the game, albeit in a different capacity.