A former Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman is hanging up the skates after a 12-year career.
Former Penguins defenseman Justin Schultz announced on Friday that he is retiring from professional hockey. Schultz had been playing for HC Lugano in the Switzeland-based National League at the time of his decision, announcing his retirement through a statement with the team.
“Mine is a strictly personal choice,” Schultz said in his statement, translated from Italian to English. “I discussed it with my family and made the decision to end my career here and return to Canada. I thank the Hockey Club Lugano for the professionalism shown and for respecting my choice and I wish the club and the team to find the path to success again.”
The 34-year-old was acquired by the Penguins during the 2015-16 season, proceeding to play with the team through the 2019-20 campaign. His best season came in 2016-17 when he totaled 51 points on 12 goals and 39 assists — finishing 10th in the Norris Trophy voting. The defenseman was a key part of the back-to-back Penguins’ Stanley Cup-winning teams as well.
Schultz last played in the National Hockey League in the 2023-24 season as a member of the Seattle Kraken. He finishes his career with 324 points over 745 games in the league.
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