Justin Schultz, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins, has formally left the NHL after signing a contract with HC Lugano in Switzerland. In response to Chris Johnston of TSN and The Athletic, Schultz was looking for a singular alternative late in his profession and located it with HC Lugano, the place he’ll play for the rest of the season. The hockey membership has additionally confirmed the signing.
Particulars of the “distinctive alternative” weren’t disclosed, however the reality he’s left what seemed to be choices within the NHL on the desk is telling.
Was this about assured ice time? Was he provided a sure degree of cash no different NHL group was keen to match? May he solely get a tryout within the NHL and groups declined to decide to a one-year contract?
All of these issues are potential, however leaving the NHL at his age and transferring onto a brand new chapter seemingly means he’s not coming again.
The 34-year-old defenseman appeared in 70 video games through the 2023-24 NHL season, posting seven targets, 26 factors, and 68 blocks whereas averaging 16:28 of ice time per sport. All through his 12-season profession, Schultz performed for the Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals, and most just lately, the Seattle Kraken.
Initially drafted by the Anaheim Geese within the second spherical of the 2008 NHL Draft, Schultz opted to not signal with them and later joined the Edmonton Oilers after a aggressive bidding course of amongst NHL groups throughout his school free company.
Schultz Had a Nice Run In The NHL
Schultz’s most notable achievements got here throughout his time with the Penguins, the place he performed a vital function of their back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2016 and 2017. Within the 2017 playoffs, Schultz crammed in for injured star defenseman Kris Letang, scoring two game-winning targets and displaying he was extra than simply an offensively gifted defenseman. He may very well be a two-way defender, and the depth he provided was essential to their wins.
His greatest statistical season got here in 2016-17, when he recorded 12 targets and 51 factors in 78 video games.
With 324 factors in 745 profession NHL video games, Schultz will now look to proceed his profession in Switzerland’s Nationwide League (NL), with HC Lugano Common Supervisor Hnat Domenichelli assured that Schultz’s expertise will assist the group within the second half of the season.
If he ever returns to the NHL, that continues to be to be seen.
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