Chris Kunitz retires after 15 NHL seasons but remains with Blackhawks

Chris Kunitz started his NHL career as an undrafted free agent, and Tuesday, retired as a four-time Stanley Cup champion, Olympic Gold Medalist, and NHL All-Star.

The 39-year-old Regina, Saskatchewan winger spread his imprint across the NHL playing for the Anaheim Ducks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Tampa Bay Lightning and Chicago Blackhawks over 15 seasons.

He hoisted the Stanley Cup once with Anaheim in 2007, and three more times with Pittsburgh in 2009, 2016 and 2017. Kunitz played in 1,022 career regular season games recording 619 points, and added another 178 career playoff games with 93 points.

Kunitz will continue his NHL legacy off the ice, joining the Blackhawks hockey operations department as player development adviser, assisting with the coaching staff on both the Blackhawks and their AHL affiliate Rockford IceHogs.

Blackhawks head coach Jeremy Colliton praised the professional career of Kunitz, and how he sees his new fit within the organization. “While coaching him last year, I recognized what an asset he would be for our staff and the organization. I'm very pleased to have him a part of our coaching group and, also, use him as a development resource for our young players in Rockford."

In a press release, Kunitz thanked all four NHL organizations, teammates, staff and management for giving him the chance to live out his childhood dream.

“I feel very fortunate to have been a part of four amazing organizations over the last 15 years. First and foremost, I'd like to sincerely thank the Anaheim Ducks, the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Chicago Blackhawks.

“Every one of these organizations was the ultimate example, not only to me, but to my children, on what true professionalism should be.”

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