Nashville Predators: Mark Borowiecki Closes the Book on Storied NHL Career
By Chad Minton
Mark Borowiecki, long-time NHL enforcer and leader in the community announced his retirement from the NHL on Wednesday after 12 seasons, and three of those with the Nashville Predators.
Borowiecki shared his retirement message on his Instagram, including the heartfelt message of his hope to continue to grow the game of hockey even if his playing days are over:
Nashville Predators Lose an Enforcer & Leader for their Locker Room
Known by the nickname of “Boro Cop”, Borowiecki brought the physical force down on his opponents on the ice. While with the Nashville Predators, he racked up 255 hits, 117 blocks and 201 penalty minutes.
Borowiecki is the type of player that every team needs on their roster. Someone who will set the tone, not allow the other team to bully their was to how the game is going to flow, and of course dropping the gloves and getting into some scuffles.
Here’s the last game Borowiecki played in back in October as he dropped the gloves with Philadelphia’s
. The brawl was over just as quick as it started as Borowiecki quickly takes down Deslauriers, but both show that mutual respect that you love to see:
Borowiecki really made such a larger impact off the ice in both the communities of Ottawa and Nashville. He was highly-respected among all hockey fans and the organizations he represented. He spoke out on social issues and a huge supporter of growing hockey.
Furthermore, Borowiecki was known for mentoring other players going through similar issues that he has dealt with, including concussions.
“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.”– David Poile on Borowiecki’s Value to the Predators
General Manager David Poile, and incoming General Manager Barry Trotz, seem to be leaving the door open for Borowiecki to be active in some sort of role within the organization post-retirement.
Borowiecki’s teammates here in Nashville truly understood how important having a leader like him in the locker room.
Dante Fabbro told the team’s official website that Borowiecki was looked up to by everyone in the locker room as a “leader, and more importantly, a friend”.
Borowiecki also championed the “Hockey is For Everyone” campaign and was a major proponent for raising awareness for mental health.
Looking ahead to 2023-24 and how this affects the Predators defensive core, Borowiecki was due to be a UFA this upcoming offseason, and it was going to be difficult to find playing time on a young Nashville defensive core that also has veterans Ryan McDonagh, Roman Josi and Tyson Barrie in the mix.
Fabbro, Alexandre Carrier and Jeremy Lauzon will return as a key pieces on the blueline, to go along with a lot of youngsters battling for playing time and a regular starting role once training camp gets here.
It is worth mentioning that Carrier is an RFA, but I can’t fathom the Predators losing him in negotiations this summer.
Boro was a True Warrior on the Ice
If Borowiecki wanted to continue his NHL playing career, I think there’s still teams out there who would welcome him in a heartbeat on the free agency market. However, this also seems like a perfect time for Borowiecki to start a new chapter in his life, and if he so chooses, it can still be very much involved in the NHL and hopefully with the Nashville Predators organization.
According to HockeyFights.com, Borowiecki had 68 fights in his NHL career (51 with the Senators, 17 with the Predators). By team, Borowiecki fought the Blue Jackets the most with eight, followed by five against the Flames.
Perhaps his biggest heavyweight fight was his three recorded brawls he had with Calgary Milan Lucic, most recently in April of 2022:
Borowiecki finishes his NHL career with 1,831 career hits, good for 41st on the all-time list. A stat that has been tracked since 2005-06.
What you will notice when looking over the list of the NHL’s biggest hitters since 2005-06, Borowiecki by far has the fewest games played among all of the hits leaders with just 458 career games. He was literally a human wrecking ball out there all the way up to the end.
To play 12 seasons in the NHL in the rugged and physical style that Borowiecki played, it’s pretty incredible and a testament to how much of a warrior this guy is. This won’t be the last we see of him in hockey and I can’t wait to see his next chapter.
Best wishes, Boro Cop.