BREAKING: NHL defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk announces his retirement after 14 seasons
Defenseman, a Stanley Cup champion with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020, is retiring from the NHL after a 14-season career. Shattenkirk made the announcement in a statement released by the NHL Players’ Association on Tuesday.
The 35-year-old from New Rochelle, New York, played in 952 regular-season games across seven teams and made 91 playoff appearances. Most recently, he suited up for the Boston Bruins last season, where he scored six goals and added 18 assists in 61 games.
“I can proudly say that I have accomplished most of my career goals,” Shattenkirk said. “I scored big goals, including a Stanley Cup final overtime goal, played in All-Star games, represented my country in the Olympics, and won a Stanley Cup.”
Reflecting on his career, Shattenkirk highlighted the friendships he’s made along the way. “What makes me even prouder when I reflect back on my career, are the countless friendships that I have made. … Thank you to all my teammates, it was an honor to play with all of you.”
Shattenkirk was drafted 14th overall by Colorado in the 2007 draft and made his NHL debut with the Avalanche in the 2010-11 season. He was then traded to St. Louis during that season, where he spent over six seasons, representing the U.S. at the 2014 Sochi Olympics and earning an All-Star game selection in 2015.
His most famous moment came during the 2020 Stanley Cup Final when he scored an overtime goal in Game 4 against Dallas, securing a 5-4 win for Tampa Bay. The Lightning went on to win the series in Game 6. Shattenkirk joined the Lightning after his contract with the New York Rangers was bought out the previous summer.
Shattenkirk also played for Washington, the New York Rangers, and Anaheim throughout his career. His best statistical season came in 2016-17 when he recorded 56 points, including 13 goals, playing for both St. Louis and Washington. Over his career, he finished with 103 goals and 381 assists for 484 points.
Off the ice, Shattenkirk was influential as a member of the NHLPA executive board and the NHL Player Inclusion Coalition. During his college years, he was part of Boston University’s 2009 NCAA championship team.
“I never knew hockey would take me this far,” Shattenkirk said. “This game has had a dramatic impact in developing me into the man I am today.”