Justin Schultz Announces Retirement

Justin Schutlz #4 skating for the Seattle Kraken

Justin Schultz announced that he would retire immediately, effective Friday morning, for personal reasons. Schultz is a 34-year-old defenseman who played in 745 career games with 324 points (71 G, 253 A).

Most recently, Schultz played for the Seattle Kraken, joining the team in 2022. He played in 143 games for the Kraken, scoring 60 points during his time with the team. Following the 2023-24 season, Schultz was an unrestricted free agent. He stated he sought a “unique opportunity in the later stages of his career” before signing with HC Lugano. He played in eight games with six assists for the team.

My choice is strictly a personal one. I discussed this with my family and concluded that I should end my career here and return to Canada. I’m thankful to HC Lugano for their professionalism and respecting my choice, and I wish the club and the team to succeed again.

Justin Schultz

Schultz was drafted in the second round, 43rd overall, by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2008 NHL Draft. Following his draft, Schultz continued playing with the University of Wisconsin. After becoming a free agent following his college career, Schultz signed with the Edmonton Oilers during the 2012-13 season. He went on to play in 248 games over four seasons for the Oilers with 101 points.

Justin Schultz wearing a Seattle Kraken jersey
Photo: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Schultz was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in February of 2016 and was with them for five seasons. During this time, he scored 113 points over 234 games. In 2016, Schultz played in 15 Stanley Cup Playoff games, including all six of the Finals, to help Pittsburgh win the Stanley Cup. During the 2016-17 season, he scored 13 points over 21 playoff games, helping the Penguins win a second championship. Schultz also played for the Washington Capitals for two seasons, with 50 points over 120 games before signing with the Seattle Kraken.

Congratulations and best of luck, Schultz!

ITR 44: We Have A Champion…Again Inside The Rink

Join Chris and Conrad as they break down the Florida Panthers winning back-to-back Stanley Cups, Trevor Zegras traded to the Philadelphia Flyers, the AHL Calder Cup winning Abbotsford Canucks, and the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft!
  1. ITR 44: We Have A Champion…Again
  2. ITR 43: It's Winning Time
  3. ITR 42: Ripe For Repeat?
  4. ITR 41: Stanley Cup Final – The Rematch
  5. ITR 40: Headed For A Repeat?

Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Jayd Serdy

Jayd Serdy is a journalist with just over one year of professional experience. She grew up watching basketball and baseball but grew to love both Men’s and Women’s hockey as well. She enjoys all aspects of the game but puts an emphasis on prospects entering the league. Jayd lives just south of Seattle with her dog, Maverick. When she isn’t watching or writing about sports, Jayd enjoys traveling, going to various concerts and spending time with friends and family.

Leave a Reply

Anton Frondell

2025 NHL Draft: Top 8 Swedish Prospects

With the 2024-25 NHL regular season concluded, it is time to begin taking a look at prospects for this year’s draft class. While this year’s draft class does not appear to have the same level of elite talent as previous ones did, there is no shortage of solid picks for teams to keep an eye […]

Read More
Aleksei Medvedev 2025 Draft Profile

2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Aleksei Medvedev

Aleksei Medvedev is a 6’3″ left-catching goaltender from St. Petersburg, Russia. He played for the London Knights during the 2024-25 season and was an integral part of the team’s success, leading them to clinch the division, conference, and OHL regular season championships. Medvedev was awarded the Dave Pinkney Trophy alongside teammate Austin Elliott, an award […]

Read More
Karl Annborn

2025 NHL Draft Player Profile: Karl Annborn

2024-25 Team: HV71 (J18/J20 Nationell, Swedish Hockey League)Date of Birth: Mar 6, 2007Place of Birth: Örebro, SwedenHeight: 6-feet-1 Weight: 187 poundsShoots: RightPosition: Defense Karl Annborn is known for being a two-way defenseman with exceptional passing accuracy. He holds the blue line with ease while also producing points consistently. In the 2024-25 season, Annborn played in […]

Read More