Long-time NHL defenseman and two-time Stanley Cup champion Justin Schultz is taking his talents to Europe, signing a one-year deal with Switzerland’s HC Lugano in the National League (NL). After 12 seasons in the NHL, Schultz is ready for a new challenge, with HC Lugano banking on his experience to bolster their lineup for the second half of the season.
“Justin is a two-way defender. We are confident that his experience can help us in the second half of the season,” said HC Lugano General Manager Hnat Domenichelli.
The 34-year-old Schultz spent the last two seasons with the Seattle Kraken, where he notched 14 goals and 46 assists in 143 games. Over his NHL career, Schultz tallied 71 goals and 253 assists for 324 points in 745 regular-season games, while suiting up for the Kraken, Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals, and Edmonton Oilers. His best season came in 2016-17 with the Penguins, when he posted a career-high 51 points, playing a pivotal role in Pittsburgh’s back-to-back Stanley Cup wins in 2016 and 2017.
In addition to his regular-season success, Schultz proved to be a clutch performer in the playoffs, scoring 42 points in 81 postseason games, including 13 points during the Penguins’ 2017 Cup run.
Now, Schultz brings his championship pedigree to Switzerland, where HC Lugano hopes he can help lead them deep into the playoffs.
