Defenseman Justin Schultz wants to stay with Penguins

Justin Schultz has endured his fair share of doldrums throughout his career.

For example, being a member of the woebegone Edmonton Oilers for parts of four seasons.

“Yeah, I’ve been through a lot worse,” Schultz said. “That last year in Edmonton was tough. (Much worse) compared to this right now.”

“Right now” would be Schultz’s mostly forgettable 2019-20 season with the Penguins.

Injuries have limited him to 29 games and eight points (two goals, six assists).

“It (stinks),” Schultz said Saturday. “I can’t stay healthy this year. Had that one little injury early, then the knee issue. It’s tough coming in and out. But hopefully, I can stay healthy, stay in the lineup and contribute.”

During Friday’s 4-3 overtime win at home against the Philadelphia Flyers, Schultz returned after missing 16 games because of a knee injury and came close to scoring the opening goal early in regulation.

About 1 minute, 20 seconds into the contest, Penguins forward Jared McCann centered a pass off the left half wall to the slot for Schultz, who lifted a wrister that Flyers goaltender Brian Elliott rejected with a glove save.

(Video courtesy NHL)

“That would have been so nice (to score),” Schultz said with a wistful smile. “It would have given a lot of confidence right off the bat there. It still was nice getting a chance, but I wish I would have scored. It would have been a good way to feel a part of the team again.”

It’s fair to wonder if Schultz will be part of the team in a handful of months. As a pending unrestricted free agent, the 29-year-old has had a poor season by any measure. Still, as a right-shooting defenseman who has produced potent offensive totals throughout his career, Schultz won’t lack suitors should he hit the open market.

Furthermore, with 23-year-old Marcus Pettersson signing a contract extension last week as well as the emergence of 22-year-old John Marino, the Penguins simply might not need Schultz past this season.

Schultz, who also missed seven games in November and December with a suspected groin injury, said he isn’t worried about his status in July.

“I’ve got to try to stay healthy, worry about this year,” Schultz said. “If we have success, then everything is going to take care of itself. You’ve got to try to not worry about it. Just try to stay in the moment.”

At the same time, Schultz makes it clear he prefers to remain in Pittsburgh for the long term.

“Obviously, I love it here,” said Schultz, a member of the Stanley Cup championship teams of 2016 and ’17. “It feels like a second home to me. That’s the priority. Hopefully, we’ll figure it out — the team has success, and I can stay here. That’s what I want.”

Said goaltender Matt Murray of Schultz: “He’s just a perfect pro. He comes to the rink and does his thing every day. Never complains. When he’s in there, he competes. He’s been a little bit unfortunate this year, for sure, with injuries. We’re happy to have him back.”

In the two games Schultz has played since his most recent injury, he mostly has been marooned on the third pairing with Chad Ruhwedel, and Pettersson and Marino have taken over as the second pairing.

Schultz logged an average of only 15:37 of ice time in his past two games. Before the knee injury, he averaged 20:17.

“It’s tough coming back,” Schultz said. “Obviously, I want to contribute more. I feel like I’ve been getting chances. Got to keep jumping up and skating. That’s when I’m at my best. I think it will come.”

Said coach Mike Sullivan: “(Schultz) has done a good job. You can only control certain things. Sometimes, players get hurt. It’s just part of the game. I don’t think he’s had a lot of good fortune in that regard this year. But he’s a real good player, and he’s an important player for us.

“We’re excited that he’s back in our lineup. We think that he’ll get better with each game that he plays. We had a short conversation on the ice today just about his first game (back in the lineup). He’s encouraged. We’re encouraged. He’s done a good job under difficult circumstances.”

With 30 games remaining in the regular season, Schultz claims he isn’t focused on putting up points. He just wants to play well.

“No goals with points or anything,” Schultz said. “It’s not really a goal but just skating and joining the rush. When I do that, it helps my defensive game for whatever reason. I have the puck a lot more and feel more confident out there.

“When you do that, if the team’s winning, you’re going to get points.”

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