Former Seattle Kraken defenseman Justin Schultz (above image) thought he might like coaching as a post-playing career. But he wasn’t sure a role tutoring defensive prospects would like him back.
So during the 2025-26 season, Schultz quietly took a turn mentoring blueliners in the Seattle system. Kraken player development director Cory Murphy called the former d-man “a great fit.” In June, Seattle officially brought Justin back as a player development coach.
“Justin Schultz will be here in here for training camp,” said Kraken general manager Jason Botterill. “But he’ll work mainly with our drafted players who are in junior, in college, over in Europe, and down in Coachella Valley. You look at our defense group in Coachella Valley, we have a lot of young players down there and a lot of potential.”
Kraken Prospects Will Get Tutored On Reaching, And Staying, In NHL
A 2nd round draft pick of the Anaheim Ducks in 2008, Schultz went on to play 745 NHL games and win Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017. That resume might indicate it was smooth skating throughout Schultz’s 12-year career. But the Kraken GM, who was in the Penguins front office during those Cup wins, says Schultz had to work for everything he achieved.
“My time being in Pittsburgh, he went through some ups and downs in his pro career to start with. In 2016, he won a Stanley Cup as a third pairing defenseman. And then in 2017, with (Kris) Letang’s injury, he won a Stanley Cup being a go-to defenseman. So I think he has an ability to know what it (takes) and how difficult it is to make the jump to the National Hockey League. And then once you get there, all the different roles that you have to go into.”
Schultz spent his last two seasons on the Kraken blueline, playing 143 regular season games from 2022-24. In two 2023 playoff rounds, he contributed three goals and 10 points in 14 games.
“I loved my time in Seattle,” he said in a statement. “I’m excited to get to work with these prospects. They’re all obviously great players. I want to help in whatever way I can with what they need to get better. I’ve played a lot of games, won some Stanley Cups. I am hoping to relay some positive things to them.”
The Kelowna, BC native elaborated to Kraken writer Bob Condor. “Throughout your career, no matter how many seasons, you have to find ways to adapt. The game changes. New players are coming in. You have to keep trying to improve. It’s really hard to get there, and really hard to stay there.”
Kraken Will Have Plenty Of Time To Prepare Tribute Video
Original Kraken Jaden Schwartz won’t make his return to Climate Pledge Arena with the Colorado Avalanche until Friday. Mar. 19. The 34-year-old forward signed a three year free agent contract with the Avs on July 2.
It’s unclear whether Schwartz will be wearing his familiar #17. Colorado center Parker Kelly current owns #17, and Schwartz was spotted on the ice recently wearing a #9 Avalanche helmet (screengrab at right).
#9 is the number Schwartz used when he broke into the NHL in 2011 with the St. Louis Blues. When #17 became available in 2014, Schwartz made the switch to honor his late sister.
From the Yale University Daily News: “Mandi Schwartz skated for the Bulldogs for three seasons before being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia Dec. 8, 2008. She courageously battled the disease for almost three years before passing away in Canada in April 2011.”
It’s possible Schwartz will obtain #17 before the start of the season. Before Kelly joined the Avs in 2023, he wore both #45 and #27 with the Ottawa Senators.
Earlier Seattle:
— Kraken’s Top Pick Joining Exodus From Juniors To College
