Kevin Shattenkirk has officially announced his retirement today from the NHL. The 14-year defenceman played in 952 regular-season games and 91 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
Kevin Shattenkirk Retires
Thank you to the game I love.
Deuces pic.twitter.com/QYvpHlOOhk
— Kevin Shattenkirk (@shattdeuces) December 10, 2024
Shattenkirk was drafted 14th overall at the 2007 NHL Draft by the Colorado Avalanche. After making his NHL debut with the Avalanche and playing in 46 games, Shattenkirk would become an elite defenceman in the league following a blockbuster trade to the St. Louis Blues. With the Blue Note, Shattenkirk played for the Blues for nearly six seasons. He recorded 40 points five times the 40-point mark five times and was named to the 2015 NHL All-Star Game.
Shattenkirk was traded at the 2017 trade deadline. The following off-season, he signed a big contract with the New York Rangers. Unfortunately, Shattenkirk had trouble continuing his success in the Big Apple. The Rangers bought out his contract prior to the 2019-20 season.
Shattenkirk Found His Footing Again in Tampa Bay
After leaving the Rangers, Shattenkirk joined the Tampa Bay Lightning on a one-year contract. In an unique playoff bubble, courtesy of the COVID-19 pandemic, Shattenkirk helped the Lightning win the Stanley Cup. Furthermore, Shattenkirk scored the game-winning goal in overtime of Game 4. The win gave the Lightning a commanding 3-1 series lead.
Following a successful stint in Tampa, Shattenkirk would go on to be a productive defenseman for the Anaheim Ducks and Boston Bruins. In addition, Shattenkirk helped the Bruins advance to the second round of the playoffs last season.
Final Totals
Shattenkirk retires with 103 goals and 484 points. The New York native should be remembered as a productive offensive-defenceman who made his team better more often than not. The Blues certainly got some great years out of him. Likewise, the Lightning benefited from his play, as did a young Ducks team.
Shattenkirk will likely not reach the Hockey Hall of Fame. However, the impact of his career will be remembered by his teammates and fans.
“I want to say one final thank you to all the fans who have supported me along the way. Your passion for hockey is what made stepping onto the ice every night so much fun and playing in front of you was a privilege that I never took for granted. I am super excited for the future, and what this next chapter in life has in store for me, but the memories of the past 14 years will last a lifetime.”
Main Photo: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
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