After 12 seasons in the NHL, a part of four teams and two Stanley Cup Championships, Justin Schultz has retired. The Seattle Kraken Defenseman has built an incredible career and has become an asset to every team he has played for.
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 has had an impressive career within the league. The Anaheim Ducks selected him in the second round of the 2008 draft.
After being selected, he spent three seasons at the University of Wisconsin before signing with the Edmonton Oilers in the summer of 2012.
At the University of Wisconsin, he was the Western Collegiate Hockey Association All-Rookie honors as a freshman. He totaled 22 points in 43 games that year.
In his following two years at the Collegiate level, he won the WCHA Defensive Player of the Year.
His college career ended with him having 91 points in 78 games. He had scored 34 goals and 57 assists.
After signing with the Oilers, Shultz spent part of a season in the AHL with the Oklahoma City Barons. Regardless of being called to the NHL, he received the Eddie Shore Award for the AHL’s Top Defensemen.
That same year, he was named NHL All-Rookie team with only eight games and 27 points in the 48 games.
He spent three and a half seasons with the Oilers before being traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016.
Shultz had his NHL best while with the Penguins, with a total of 51 points, including 12 goals and 39 assists in 78 games.
He helped the team win the Stanley Cup in 2016 and 2017 during his time with the Penguins. He has 42 points, ten goals, and 32 assists in 81 Stanley Cup games.
Shultz signed with the Washington Capitals in 2020 and later moved to the Seattle Kraken on a two-year contract in 2022.
Shultz has continued to have impressive seasons and has achieved many milestones within his career. Throughout his 12-year career, he has a total of 324 points. He has 71 goals, 253 assists, and 745 regular season games.
During his time with the Kraken, he has become an integral part of the success of the team. He is one of the most reliable defensemen that the team has had.
He was able to move the puck quickly and accurately, which allowed the team to grow their speed and set up major plays.
Wishing the best to Justin Schultz, who retired from pro hockey today.
He’ll forever be attached to @SeattleKraken lore, as a big part of the first home playoff goal (and playoff run) in franchise history. pic.twitter.com/yRrekREpjS
— Mike Benton (@Benton_Mike) December 13, 2024
Another area to look at within his skill and talent is that, for completed passes, he has a 71.8%. This places him third among the defenders for the Seattle Kraken, alongside Adam Larson and Will Borgen.
Entering the Kraken roster with two Stanley Cup wins under his belt. Immediately placed him on the Veteran list, helping the younger players of the team find their footing and grow their abilities.
Shultz had spent some time in Europe to push his career further. After some time overseas, he came back and made the decision to retire and return to Canada.
“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.”
His decision to retire is bittersweet; we wish him the best in this new chapter.
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