Kevin Shattenkirk announces his retirement after 14 NHL seasons

Feature photo: Getty Images

TORONTO (Dec. 10, 2024) – Kevin Shattenkirk officially announced his retirement from the National Hockey League today after playing in 952 NHL regular season games and 91 playoff appearances over 14 NHL seasons.

Born in New Rochelle, New York, Shattenkirk was drafted 14th overall in the 2007 NHL Draft by the Colorado Avalanche, with whom he made his league debut. The defenseman went on to become a Stanley Cup champion (2019-20) and represented seven clubs during his NHL career, including the St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Anaheim Ducks and Boston Bruins.

Shattenkirk was a well-respected player for his offensive skills on the blue line and his leadership in the locker room. Throughout his career as a member of the NHLPA Board of Directors and the NHL Player Inclusion Coalition, he used his voice to advocate for both his teammates and the community.

Shattenkirk made his NHL debut with the Avalanche against the Vancouver Canucks on November 4, 2010 and scored his first goal against the San Jose Sharks on November 17, 2010, snapping a nine-game point streak. The defenseman finished his rookie season in St. Louis after a trade to the Blues, where he finished the season with 43 points in 72 games.

Shattenkirk played nearly six more seasons for the Blues, eclipsing the 40-point mark five times (2011-12, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17) while being named an NHL All-Star in 2015 Game. He would help the club reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs five times, contributing 28 points in the postseason during that span. In the 2016–17 season, the blueliner was named assistant captain of the Blues to begin his final season with the club before being traded to the Washington Capitals on February 27, 2017, where he would finish that season with a career. high 43 assists and 56 points.

After his stint in Washington, Shattenkirk would sign with the New York Rangers as an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2017. The homecoming for Shattenkirk would span two seasons, during which he collected seven goals and 44 assists in 119 games for the Blueshirts.

Shattenkirk then took his talents to Tampa Bay in 2019, signing a one-year deal as a free agent with the Lightning. His time in Tampa Bay would be extremely memorable, as he played a key role in the Bolts’ talented blueline, scoring 34 points (8 goals, 26 assists) in 70 regular season games. He would go on to appear in all 25 of the Lightning’s playoff games, contributing 13 points, including the overtime goal in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals, as well as providing veteran leadership that would help the club win the 2019–20 Stanley Cup win.

Shattenkirk then tested the skills of a free agent again and finally signed a three-year contract with the Anaheim Ducks in 2020. He was a strong veteran on the young Ducks team and appeared in 212 total games, scoring 14 goals, 63 assists for 77 points in his three seasons in Southern California.

His final NHL stop would be Boston, where the defenseman would sign a one-year contract in free agency with the Bruins for the 2023-24 season. He appeared in 61 games for the Bruins, scoring 6 goals and 18 assists for 24 points.

Shattenkirk also enjoyed success at the international level, helping the United States to a silver medal while being named the tournament’s top defenseman and All-Star honoree at the 2007 IIHF World U18 Championship. He then represented his country at the IIHF World Junior Championship (2009), IIHF World Championship (2011) and the 2014 Sochi Olympics. He also reached the pinnacle of college hockey success by helping Boston University win the 2009 NCAA Championship and helping score the game-winning goal in overtime to secure the Terriers the title.

Shattenkirk now lives with his family in Sag Harbor, New York.

Statement from Kevin Shattenkirk:

“After 14 great years in the National Hockey League, I have decided to retire. I never thought ice hockey would take me this far. This game had a dramatic impact on developing me into the man I am today.

First, I would like to thank the seven organizations that trusted me to represent their teams and cities. The Colorado Avalanche, who selected me and gave me my first chance in the NHL. The St. Louis Blues and the great city of St. Louis that welcomed me and made me feel at home for seven years. The Washington Capitals, who gave me the chance to win the Stanley Cup. The New York Rangers, who fulfilled a childhood dream of playing for my favorite team. The Tampa Bay Lightning, for believing in me even though I may not have fully believed in myself. Your faith and confidence have rewarded me with the greatest gift of all – The Stanley Cup! The Anaheim Ducks for trusting me to be a leader for their young players starting their careers. Finally, I would like to thank the Boston Bruins for appreciating 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.

I will never forget the men and women behind the scenes who worked tirelessly to ensure I had everything I needed to be successful. Thank you to all of the equipment managers, team services staff and athletic trainers for dedicating your time to me and my family. I would also like to thank the PR and Community Services teams for giving me the opportunity to showcase my personality to fans.

I would also like to thank the NHLPA and its staff for always providing the players with the resources we needed. I have been proud to be part of such a united group throughout my career and I look forward to seeing the union grow stronger in the future.

Many thanks to my long-time strength and conditioning mentor Ben Prentiss. Without you, my career certainly wouldn’t have been as long. You took me to levels I didn’t know existed and you cared about my health and well-being as much as anyone could.

To my agent Jordan Neumann, who has been my navigator through this ice hockey world since I was 15. Your guidance and friendship have always led me to the right path. You have become a part of my family for life. Thank you and George for helping me every step of the way.

I can proudly say that I have achieved most of my career goals. I’ve scored big goals, including an overtime goal in the Stanley Cup Final, played in All-Star Games, represented my country in the Olympics, and won a Stanley Cup! What makes me even prouder when I think back on my career are the countless friendships I have made along the way. I remember in the early years of my career how much I loved going out with the boys or enjoying a hot stove after the game. I told myself back then that I never wanted to miss these moments. These are the times I will remember most and cherish forever. Thank you to all my teammates, it was an honor to play with you all.

Many thanks to my older brothers Eric and Keith. You allowed me to dream big. I’ve always strived to be as good as you. You were always there to support me and push me forward. You have made me a better player and a better man. Thank you to Courtney, Aarti, Charlie, Olivia, Niam and Layla for coming to countless games and making me feel like I’m on the road so many times throughout my career.

To my parents, Pat and Barbara. You made my big dreams come true. It was incredible how much sacrifice you both made so we could play this game, and I am forever grateful for everything you did to help me make this dream come true. I know you will miss it as much as I do because you have always invested so much in my career. You never pushed me to do anything I didn’t want to do, but you always made me realize that if I really wanted to succeed, I had to work for it. Without you I wouldn’t have been able to have this wonderful career. Thank you very much!

To my incredible wife Deanna. After visiting me in St. Louis 10 years ago, you made the decision to become part of my hockey life. I’m so happy you did it! With every injury, every exchange of blows or healthy scratches, with every change of terrain, you were always there for me. You knew when I needed sympathy or a kick in the ass. I believe that you are just as made for this life as I am, and I am forever grateful that I was able to get through it all with you by my side. I couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you for our incredible family and for the incredible amount of love and support you have shown us all.

Finally, to my children Connor, Isla and Hazel. I always thought hockey would be the biggest part of my life until the three of you came along. Seeing you after games always puts things in perspective, win or lose. Your unconditional love for me is my greatest gift in life. I know that being away for long periods of time has always been a burden for you. I’m so excited to finally be able to experience all the special moments of my growing up.

I would like to thank all the fans one last time who have supported me along the way. Your passion for hockey made it so much fun to take the ice every night, and playing in front of you was a privilege that I never took for granted. I’m very excited about the future and what this next chapter of my life has in store for me, but the memories of the last 14 years will last a lifetime.

I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”