Justin Schultz is coming off of a solid 2023-24 season with the Seattle Kraken, but with a new year underway, the 34-year-old is without an NHL team. In two seasons with the Kraken, Schultz played 143 games with 14 goals and 46 assists for 60 total points.
He’s a veteran blue liner with a pair of Stanley Cups in his back pocket and still has the ability to move the puck, yet no teams took a flyer on Schultz. Late into the offseason, he was looked at as a top remaining free agent, but he never signed a deal, or even a PTO.
According to the Athletic, NHL teams have given Schultz calls, but he held out looking for different opportunities.
“He’s already passed on other NHL opportunities over the summer,” the Athletic writes. “Schultz still feels like he has something to give. He’s just waiting for the right situation and fit.”
With the 2024-25 NHL season kicked off and teams pretty well set with their rosters, it seems unlikely Schultz will find a new home any time soon. The Athletic doesn’t believe his chances at the NHL are over, but it’s also possible playing in Europe is in the cards.
“Don’t rule out the possibility Schultz ends up going to Europe for a different experience if the right NHL opportunity doesn’t emerge.”
According to the Athletic, NHL teams have given Schultz calls, but he held out looking for different opportunities.
“He’s already passed on other NHL opportunities over the summer,” the Athletic writes. “Schultz still feels like he has something to give. He’s just waiting for the right situation and fit.”
With the 2024-25 NHL season kicked off and teams pretty well set with their rosters, it seems unlikely Schultz will find a new home any time soon. The Athletic doesn’t believe his chances at the NHL are over, but it’s also possible playing in Europe is in the cards.
“Don’t rule out the possibility Schultz ends up going to Europe for a different experience if the right NHL opportunity doesn’t emerge.”