ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Former St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk is hanging up his skates.
On Tuesday, Shattenkirk announced his retirement from professional hockey through a press release from the NHLPA.
"After 14 amazing years in the National Hockey League, I have decided to retire. I never knew hockey would take me this far. This game has had a dramatic impact in developing me into the man I am today," said Shattenkirk in a statement.
"I want to say one final thank you to all the fans who have supported me along the way. Your passion for hockey is what made stepping onto the ice every night so much fun and playing in front of you was a privilege that I never took for granted. I am super excited for the future, and what this next chapter in life has in store for me, but the memories of the past 14 years will last a lifetime.
Shattenkirk played for seven teams in his 14-year NHL career, including playing 425 games across seven seasons with the St. Louis Blues.
Shattenkirk was acquired by the Blues in Feb. 2011 in a four-player and two picks swap that would see the Colorado Avalanche receive former number one overall pick Erik Johnson.
During Shattenkirk's time in St. Louis, Shattenkirk surpassed the 40-point mark six times with the Blues while being named to the 2015 NHL All-Star Game. He would help the Blues reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs five times and would contribute 28 points in postseason action over this period.
Shattenkirk departed the Blues during the 2016-17 NHL Trade Deadline in a deal with the Washington Captials that would see the Blues acquire Zach Sanford and a 2017 First Round pick that would be used by the Blues to acquire current captain Brayden Schenn from the Philadelphia Flyers.
After his time with the Blues and Capitals, Shattenkirk would go to play for his hometown-New York Rangers, the Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning. Shattenkirk would win the Stanley Cup with the Lightning in the 2019-20 season.
During Shattenkirk's career, he also had the opportunity to represent the US at the international level, including at the 2009 World Juniors Championship and at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.