Former Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Justin Schultz announced his retirement on Friday.
His most recent team, HC Lugano in Switzerland’s National League, issued a statement on Schultz’s behalf. Translated from Italian:
“Mine is a strictly personal choice. I discussed it with my family and I made the decision to end my career here and return to Canada. I thank Hockey Club Lugano for the professionalism shown and for respecting my choice and I wish the club and the team to find the path to success again.”
Schultz, 34, spent parts of 12 seasons in the NHL, including five with the Penguins.
A right-handed shot, Schultz helped the Penguins win back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2016 and 2017. In 234 regular season games with the team, Schultz had 122 points (24 goals, 98 assists) while averaging 19:37 of ice time per contest.
In addition to the Penguins, Schultz also played for the Edmonton Oilers, Washington Capitals and Seattle Kraken.
Schultz, a native of Kelowna, British Columbia, signed with HC Lugano on Oct. 23. He appeared in eight games and recorded six assists before retiring.
