Defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, a key player in the 2020 Tampa Bay Lightning’s Stanley Cup victory, has announced his retirement following a successful 14-year career in the NHL.
The 35-year-old shared his decision through a statement released by the NHL Players’ Association on Tuesday. Born in New Rochelle, New York, Shattenkirk played a total of 952 regular-season games across seven different teams and made 91 playoff appearances. After scoring six goals and providing 18 assists over 61 games with the Boston Bruins last season, he remains unsigned.
Reflecting on his career, Shattenkirk expressed immense pride in his accomplishments. “I can proudly say that I have achieved most of my career goals. I scored crucial goals, including an overtime winner in the Stanley Cup final, participated in All-Star games, represented my country at the Olympics, and lifted the Stanley Cup,” he stated. Furthermore, he emphasized the lasting friendships he built during his journey, thanking his teammates for the honor of playing alongside them.
Drafted 14th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in 2007, Shattenkirk made his NHL debut during the 2010-11 season. He was then traded to the St. Louis Blues within the same season, where he would spend over six years. During this time, he was chosen to represent the USA in the 2014 Sochi Olympics and earned his only All-Star appearance in 2015.
One of his standout moments came during Game 4 of the 2020 Stanley Cup Final when he scored a pivotal overtime goal, leading to a 5-4 victory for the Lightning against the Dallas Stars. The Lightning eventually clinched the championship in Game 6 of that series. Before joining Tampa Bay, he was signed after the New York Rangers bought out the final two years of his contract the previous summer.
Shattenkirk’s career also included stints with the Washington Capitals, the New York Rangers, and the Anaheim Ducks. His peak statistical performance occurred in the 2016-17 season, where he achieved 56 points, including 13 goals, while playing for both the St. Louis Blues and the Washington Capitals.
In total, Shattenkirk recorded 103 goals and 381 assists, amassing 484 points. Off the ice, he significantly contributed as a member of the NHLPA executive board and the NHL player inclusion coalition. Additionally, Shattenkirk was part of the Boston University team that won the NCAA championship in 2009.
“I never anticipated that hockey would take me this far,” Shattenkirk remarked. “The game has profoundly shaped me into the person I am today.”
