Former Stanley Cup champion and New York Rangers defenseman officially announces his retirement
Former New York Rangers defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk has decided to end his NHL career today. The defenseman won a Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020, and last played on the ice, with the Boston Bruins.
KevinShattenkirk has decided to call it a career today rather than taking on one more contract in the NHL. There was news early in the season that multiple Western Conference teams were interested in signing the two-way defenseman.
Fast forward a couple of months and Larry Brooks of The New York Post (behind a paywall) added that Shattenkirk turned down a contract offer from a Western Canadian team-possibly Edmonton, Calgary, or Vancouver. The Oilers and Canucks have been looking for a defenseman, but it for some reason, again nothing has come out of any speculated talks.
Yet he chose to sit out the season, and never take a leap to sign with one of those three Canadian teams.
The New Rochelle, New York-born defenseman has played 925 games during his NHL career scoring 484 points( 103 G, 381 A), and has one Stanley Cup to his name.
Shattenkirk only spent two seasons with his hometown club, the New York Rangers in 2017-2018 and 2018-2019.
He'd play his last two seasons in the NHL split between the Anaheim Ducks in 2022-2023, and the Boston Bruins in 2023-2024.
Shattenkirk issued a statement on the NHLPA website:
I would like to begin by saying thank you to the seven organizations that trusted me to represent their teams and cities. The Colorado Avalanche, for drafting me and giving me my first opportunity in the NHL. The St. Louis Blues, and the great city of St. Louis for welcoming me and making feel at home for seven years. The Washington Capitals, for giving me a chance to make a run at winning the Stanley Cup. The New York Rangers, for fulfilling a childhood dream of playing for my favourite team. The Tampa Bay Lightning, for believing in me when maybe I didn't fully believe in myself. Your faith and confidence rewarded me with the greatest gift of all The Stanley Cup! The Anaheim Ducks, for trusting me to be a leader for their young players starting their careers. Finally, to the Boston Bruins, for valuing my qualities as a player and a leader in the locker room. Thank you to all of my great General Managers and coaches for treating me with respect and teaching me some great life lessons along the way.
Shattenkirk will not be able to go cup hunting again, and there's no word we'll find him behind the bench for an NHL team now.
Maybe in the future, but for now he'll have a chance to spend time at home, and enjoy it with his family and friends.
