Insiders: UFA Justin Schultz Considering Surprising Opportunity For 2024-25

After a dozen seasons as a full-timer in the NHL, unrestricted free agent Justin Schultz is unexpectedly still without a contract for this year. He wrapped up a two-year, $3M AAV deal with the Seattle Kraken last season.

According to insiders Chris Johnston and Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, Schultz had some signing opportunities come his way this summer, but apparently was waiting on a better fit. Now, he's surprisingly considering a move overseas.

This is a unique situation because the 34-year-old is coming off a season where he held down a regular spot in the Seattle Kraken’s lineup and he’s already passed on other NHL opportunities over the summer, according to league sources.
Schultz still feels like he has something to give. He’s just waiting for the right situation and fit.
Don’t rule out the possibility Schultz ends up going to Europe for a different experience if the right NHL opportunity doesn’t emerge.

The right-shot D-man was projected to pull in a two-year deal in free agency worth about $2.4 million annually, per AFP Analytics.

Schultz has had a nice career, making the All-Rookie Team in his debut season with the Edmonton Oilers in 2012-13 after being selected in the 2nd round of the 2008 NHL Draft by the Anaheim Ducks. He went on to win two Stanley Cups in his first two seasons after being traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was a prime contributor to the 2017 Cup, with 13 points in 21 playoff games.

He's certainly seen it all in the NHL, as noted by Johnston and LeBrun, as he's been teammates with nearly all of the current greats of the game, namely Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Alex Ovechkin. He's also made an estimated $41 million over the course of his NHL career. So it wouldn't be a complete shock if, at the age of 34, he looks for a completely different experience in Europe.