The two-time Stanley Cup champion retires from the ice to mentor Kraken prospects, reuniting with former Pittsburgh colleagues to instill the pro habits necessary for NHL longevity.
Former Kraken defenseman and two-time Stanley Cup winner Justin Schultz will make his wa back to Seattle, the team announced Thursday, to take on a role in player development. The 35-year-old announced his retirement in 2024. At the time, he was playing for the Swiss National League.
Schultz's career spanned 12 NHL seasons with 745 regular season games. He hoisted the Stanley Cup twice, in 2016 and 2017, with the Pittsburgh Penguins. His success with the Penguins may have played a part in giving him this new opportunity: both GM Jason Botterill and newly-announced Assistant GM Patrik Allvin were part of the Penguins organization at that time.
Speaking on his new role, Schultz said that player development is "something that I've always wanted to do." Adding that "I loved my time in Seattle. I’m excited to get to work with these prospects. They're all obviously great players; they've been drafted or signed. I want to help in whatever way I can with what they need to get better. I've played a lot of games, won some Stanley Cups, I am hoping to relay some positive things to them.
Director of Player Development Cory Murphy is also excited to have Schultz join his team, calling him a "great fit within our [player development] group...He's familiar with the organization and the people; he's lived [the NHL player life] for a long time and had success doing it. That's something he's going to bring, the consistency of pro habits, what's needed on a daily basis to be an NHL player and to stay in the NHL. Not just to make it, but to stay there. That's something we pride ourselves on, looking to develop these prospects to make the NHL and have the tools for a longer NHL career.”
Kraken Development Camp will take place the last week of June, following the draft. The public are invited to view camp on June 30th, July 1st, and July 2nd. See the Kraken Community Iceplex website for times and details.
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