Defenceman Justin Schultz has announced his retirement from the NHL. Schultz retires as a time-two Stanley Cup champion.
Justin Schultz Retires
Two-time #StanleyCup champion Justin Schultz has officially announced his NHL retirement after playing 745 regular-season games and 81 playoff contests with 4 different teams.
Wishing Justin the best of luck in his next chapter! pic.twitter.com/SiolVSX77S
— NHLPA (@NHLPA) December 18, 2024
Schultz played for four teams during his 12-year career. Schultz was a 2008 second-round pick of Anaheim’s who did not sign with the Ducks and later joined the Edmonton Oilers as a free agent in 2012. In his 12-year career, Schultz played in 826 regular-season and playoff games for the Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals, and Seattle Kraken. In addition, Schultz had a short stint playing overseas in Europe.
“Mine is a strictly personal choice,” Schultz said. “I discussed it with my family, and I made the decision to end my career here and return to Canada. I thank Hockey Club Lugano for the professionalism shown and for respecting my choice.”
Schultz Went Back-to-Back in Pittsburgh
Perhaps the standout moments of Schultz’s career was his time with the Penguins. In five seasons, the most the 34-year old spent with any team, Schultz scored 22 goals and added 92 assists. Furthermore, Schultz helped the Penguins win the Stanley Cup in 2016 and 2017. At the time, that made the Penguins the first team to go back-to-back Stanley Cups since the Detroit Red Wings in 1997 and 1998. In addition, the Pens became the first team in since the introduction of the salary cap to go back-to-back.
Schultz Retires After Making History in Seattle
Schultz retires after being part of history not only with the Penguins, but also with the Kraken. The defenceman was only a member of the Kraken for two seasons. However, in his first season, Schultz helped the Kraken reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time franchise history. Furthermore, the Kraken won their first-round series.
While Schultz and the Kraken failed to return to the playoffs the following season, they did make history by being the fastest expansion team to host a Winter Classic, as well as being the first team to pick up a shutout in the outdoor event.
Final Totals
Justin Schultz retires with 71 goals and 325 points. The 34-year old walks away from hockey, but his impact will be forever engraved (twice) on Lord Stanley.
Main Photo: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
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