Defenseman Justin Schultz abruptly leaves team and retires effective immediately

Ahead of the 2024-25 season, defenseman Justin Schultz had received an offer from the Oilers. It was a professional tryout contract (PTO) to attend training camp in Edmonton and have a chance to crack the roster to continue his NHL career. However, Schultz reportedly turned down the offer, wanting an NHL contract over the PTO and simply decided to remain a free agent, hoping for a better offer.

Schultz did not find any other takers in the NHL and went on to sign a one-year deal with HC Lugano in Switzerland’s top league, the National League (NL).

However on Friday, Schultz announced that he was leaving the team and retiring effective immediately, citing personal reasons.

“My choice is strictly a personal one. I discussed this with my family and concluded that I should end my career here and return to Canada. I’m thankful to HC Lugano for their professionalism and for respecting my choice, and I wish the club and the team to succeed again,” Schultz said in a statement released by the team, via Swiss Hockey News.

His tenure with Lugano lasted only eight games, in which he recorded six assists.

Schultz, who was selected by the Anaheim Ducks back in 2008, played in over 800 NHL games throughout his career, with time spent in Edmonton, then with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals and Seattle Kraken.

Last season with the Kraken, Schultz put up seven goals and 26 points in 70 games, but also recorded a -23 rating. He is a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Penguins back in 2016 and 2017.

Happy retirement to Schultz!