Kevin Shattenkirk announces retirement after 14-season NHL career

One of the better blueliners in his day is hanging up his skates.

On Tuesday, veteran defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk officially announced his retirement from playing hockey.

“After 14 amazing years in the National Hockey League,” Shattenkirk said in a release. “I have decided to retire. I never knew hockey would take me this far. This game has had a dramatic impact in developing me into the man I am today.”

Shattenkirk thanked his family, former teammates and staff that helped him during his decorated career.

“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.

“Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”

Shattenkirk’s career in the NHL began in the 2010-11 season with the Colorado Avalanche, the team that took him 14th overall in the 2007 NHL Draft. However, he was traded in the middle of season, as he was part of the deal that sent him and Chris Stewart to the St. Louis Blues, with Erik Johnson going back to Denver.

In his rookie season, the New Rochelle, New York native led all freshmen with 34 assists. Shattenkirk would play five full seasons for the Blues, earning a spot on the Western Conference All-Star Team in 2015.

The Washington Capitals acquired him before the trade deadline in 2017 with the idea that he could push the President’s Trophy winners to the Stanley Cup, though the Caps were ousted in the second round by the Pittsburgh Penguins. That offseason, Shattenkirk signed a four-year contract with the New York Rangers, hoping to help that team become a contender. Unfortunately, injuries and sour play led to him being bought out just two years later.

That opened the door for Shattenkirk to join the Tampa Bay Lightning in more of a supporting role. The move paid off, as he went on to help the team win the franchise’s second Stanley Cup in 2020.

From there, Shattenkirk moved west, spending three seasons with the Anaheim Ducks. The 35-year-old finished his career with the Boston Bruins, appearing in 61 games during the 2023-24 campaign.

Across 14 seasons, Shattenkirk appeared in 952 NHL games, scoring 103 goals and 381 assists for 484 points. In 91 postseason games, he notched eight goals and 40 assists for 48 points.

Shattenkirk also represented his country on numerous occasions. He helped the United States take home silver in the 2007 IIHF Men’s Under-18 World Championship, playing on the National Junior Team in 2009. Shattenkirk also played for the U.S. at the 2011 IIHF Men’s World Championship and 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

Prior to making the jump to the pro ranks, Shattenkirk had a fruitful career at Boston University, helping the Terriers win the NCAA National Championship in 2009.