Justin Schultz signs in Switzerland for remainder of season

Veteran defenseman Justin Schultz has signed with HC Lugano in Switzerland's National League for the remainder of the season, the club announced Wednesday.

Schultz became an unrestricted free agent this past summer after his two-year, $6-million contract with the Seattle Kraken expired.

Though Seattle struggled to keep the puck out of its own net last season, Schultz still put up admirable underlying numbers. The Kraken controlled 53% of the shot attempts, 51.8% of the expected goals, and 54.5% of the scoring chances with him on the ice at five-on-five, according to Natural Stat Trick.

Schultz appeared in 70 games in 2023-24, totaling seven goals, 26 points, and 68 blocks while averaging 16:28 minutes of ice time per contest.

The 34-year-old has spent 12 seasons in the NHL after being selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the second round of the 2008 draft. He's suited up for the Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals, and Kraken.

Schultz won back-to-back Stanley Cup championships with Pittsburgh in 2016 and 2017. He scored two game-winners in the second run.

The Kelowna native enjoyed his best statistical campaign with the Penguins in 2016-17 when he put up a career-high 12 goals and 51 points in 78 games.

Schultz eclipsed the 30-point mark on four occasions, most recently in his first season with the Kraken. He owns 324 points in 745 career outings.