Kevin Shattenkirk

Lore & Background

Shattenkirk grew up in New Rochelle, New York, and played youth hockey with the New Jersey Devils minor ice hockey team, including the 2002 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. He attended The Brunswick School in Greenwich, Connecticut, before joining the USA Hockey National Team Development Program and committing to Boston University. At Boston University, he helped the Terriers win the NCAA National Championship in 2009, assisting on the overtime title-winning goal by Colby Cohen. He served as co-captain and later sole captain of the Terriers, the first junior sole captain since the 1961–62 season.

Shattenkirk began his professional career with the Colorado Avalanche's AHL affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters, in April 2010. He was recalled by the Avalanche in November 2010 and made his NHL debut against the Vancouver Canucks. He was one of 12 rookies selected for the 2011 NHL All-Star festivities. In February 2011, he was traded to the St. Louis Blues in a swap of four former first-rounders. He later played for the Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Anaheim Ducks, and Boston Bruins. He announced his retirement on December 10, 2024.

Reader's Guide

Kevin Shattenkirk's career is notable for his consistent presence as a defenseman across seven NHL teams over 14 seasons. Drafted 14th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in 2007, he made his NHL debut with them in 2010 before being traded to the St. Louis Blues in 2011. He played 425 games for the Blues, recording 258 points, placing fifth all-time among defensemen in franchise history. His tenure with the New York Rangers was marked by a torn meniscus that required surgery, and his contract was later bought out. He signed a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning for the 2019–20 season and won the Stanley Cup, recording 13 points in the playoffs. He later provided veteran leadership for the Anaheim Ducks and Boston Bruins, where he made an inspiring speech before a game seven victory in the 2024 playoffs. Internationally, he represented the United States at the 2014 Winter Olympics and won silver medals at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge and IIHF World U18 Championships, where he was named Best Defenseman.

Did You Know?

• Shattenkirk was drafted 14th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2007 NHL entry draft.
• He won the Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020.
• He served as captain of the Boston University Terriers, the first junior sole captain since the 1961–62 season.
• He was named Best Defenseman at the 2007 IIHF World U18 Championships.