Canadian defenseman Justin Schultz announced his retirement at age 34 on Friday on the website of his last team, HC Lugano of Switzerland’s National League.
“My decision is entirely personal,” said Schultz. “After discussions with my family, I’ve decided to retire and return to Canada. I thank Hockey Club Lugano for their professionalism and respect for my decision, and I wish the club and the team the best in regaining success.”
According to an X tweet on Thursday from Swiss journalist Omar Gargantini, Schultz desired to leave the organization but did not speculate whether he wished to continue playing elsewhere.
“Is Justin Schultz already leaving (Lugano)?” the tweet began. “The defenseman’s wish is to leave ‘the Corner’ soon. We await confirmation from the club.”
“The Corner” refers to the team’s home rink, Cornèr Arena.
The club expressed surprise and disappointment with Schultz’s announcement.
“Disheartened by this unexpected development, Hockey Club Lugano has no choice but to respect the personal decision and terminate the professional relationship,” it said. “The club is currently exploring market options to find a replacement.
“Out of respect for the player’s choice, neither the club nor Justin Schultz will make further comments on the matter.”
Schultz signed as a free agent with Lugano on Oct. 23 and played only eight National League games with the club, tallying no goals and six assists. After being held pointless in his first four games, Schultz retires on a four-game point streak. He recorded an assist and two shots on goal and was a plus-1 in 23:56 of ice time in his last game on Dec. 4, a 2-0 Lugano win over the Rapperswil-Jona Lakers.
Originally from Kelowna, B.C., Schultz was taken in the second round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, 43rd overall, by the Anaheim Ducks. However, he instead opted to attend the University of Wisconsin and after three years with the Badgers, signed as a free agent with the Edmonton Oilers in 2012.
From 2012 to 2024, Schultz played 745 NHL regular-season games with the Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals and Seattle Kraken, recording 324 points and 198 penalty minutes. In an additional 81 playoff games, he tallied 41 points and 16 minutes and won back-to-back Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh in 2016 and 2017.
Internationally, Schultz represented Canada at the 2013 IIHF World Championship.
Lugano currently sits 12th in the 14-team National League with 33 points in 27 games.