Former Bruins leader and Stanley Cup winner announces retirement

Boston turned out to be the final stop for one of the most popular players in recent NHL history.

Kevin Shattenkirk, who spent the final season of his career with the Boston Bruins, officially announced his retirement on Tuesday.

“I would first like to thank the seven organizations that trusted me to represent their teams and cities,” Shattenkirk said in a statement. “…Finally, I would like to thank the Boston Bruins, who valued my qualities as a player and leader in the locker room. Thank you to all of my amazing general managers and coaches for treating me with respect and teaching me some great life lessons along the way.”

Shattenkirk was previously familiar with the city, spending three seasons at Boston University before being drafted 14th overall by Colorado in the 2007 NHL Draft.

The B’s signed him last offseason to provide leadership on the back end of a young defensive group, which he accomplished in addition to six goals and 18 assists. Shattenkirk played a total of 952 NHL games for the Bruins, Avalanche, St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning and Anaheim Ducks, but was unable to find a new home this offseason.

Shattenkirk finished his 14 seasons with 103 goals and 381 assists.