BREAKING: Chris Kunitz retires from professional hockey

Early Tuesday morning it was announced by the official Chicago Blackhawks account via Twitter that 4-time Stanley Cup Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Chris Kunitz will be hanging up his skates at age 39.


Kunitz was signed by the Anaheim Mighty Ducks as a free agent to begin his professional career. He won the cup with Anaheim in 2007, and soon after joined the Pittsburgh Penguins in which he won 3 more cups, in 2009, 2016, and 2017. His career high in point totals came in the 2013-14 season, in which he put up 35 goals and 33 assists for 68 points. After a few short stints in Tampa and Chicago, he has now decided his playing career is over. He finishes with 619 points in 1022 games.

Here is what Kunitz himself had to say in a press release:

“I feel very fortunate to have been a part of four amazing organizations over the last 15 years,” Kunitz said in a press release. “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.

“Secondly, I’d like to thank the owners, coaches, trainers, management. Your love for the game, the team and the community was exemplified daily. I am very fortunate to have worked with every one of you.

“Finally, to my teammates, thank you for everything. As a young player you taught me to give my very best. Your leadership helped mold me into the player I knew I could be. I was given the opportunity to play with the very best teams and the very best players and I’m grateful for the laughs and the friendships that we shared together. Thank you for making my childhood dream come true.”

Kunitz will join Chicago and their AHL affiliate Rockford as a player development advisor.