UFA Kevin Shattenkirk, Stanley Cup Champ, Makes Decision on Retirement

He tried to get himself a PTO back in the fall, with several Canadian teams named as preferred destinations. But 14-year veteran defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk couldn't find a taker to his liking, and after three months of waiting it out as a UFA, has decided to officially hang up the skates.

Kevin Shattenkirk has officially announced his retirement following 14 NHL seasons.

The former first round draft pick and Stanley Cup champion was a well-respected teammate and leader off the ice. Statement and release: https://t.co/DNAc0py2MR pic.twitter.com/dhPow5rddR
— NHLPA (@NHLPA) December 10, 2024

The 35-year-old posted his own Thank You Note to the game, announcing his retirement Tuesday afternoon on social media.

Thank you to the game I love. ✌🏼 Deuces pic.twitter.com/QYvpHlOOhk
— Kevin Shattenkirk (@shattdeuces) December 10, 2024

Shattenkirk was a first-round pick (14th overall, 2007 NHL Draft), and his career culminated with a Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020. He spent time with seven NHL teams overall, concluding with the Boston Bruins last season.

He played in 952 regular-season NHL games (484 points and 20:17 average TOI) and 91 playoff contests, and notched one All-Star game appearance.

Best of luck in retirement and congrats on a great career to Kevin Shattenkirk.