Former Metropolitan Division veteran defenseman officially calls it a career after 745 NHL games
Former Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman and veteran Justin Schultzz attempted to keep his career alive this year. After turning down a PTO offer from the Edmonton Oilers, he opted to go to Europe to play professional hockey.
Instead of playing the full year, he signed up for with the Swiss National League's HC Lugano, he has decided to retire.
Schultz was unable to find work in the NHL, despite the fact he was a Stanley Cup champion with the Penguins. His two-way style of play lends a strength of versatility to the blue line, which apparently no NHL team needed his services for.
Schultz would take to social media on Friday to make his announcement that he was retiring from professional hockey.
«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 for respecting my choice, and I wish the club and the team to succeed again,» Schultz said in a statement released by the team, via Swiss Hockey News.
He cited personal reasons for his retirement, and would only see the ice for six games with Lugano, recording six assists.
Schultz was selected 43rd overall in the 2nd round of the 2008 NHL Draft by the Anaheim Ducks.
He played 745 total NHL games split between the Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Seattle Kraken, and Washington Capitals.
He won two Stanley Cups during his time with the Penguins in 2016, and 2017.
His career totals are 324 points( 71 G, 254 A) and 81 NHL playoff games played.
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