Justin Schultz
A smooth-skating defenceman who went from coveted college free agent to a key puck-mover on back-to-back Stanley Cup champions.
Born 1990 (age 36)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: July 6·Millennials
Biography
Justin Schultz’s entry into the NHL was a modern hockey drama. After a stellar career at the University of Wisconsin, where he was a two-time All-American, he became the most sought-after unrestricted free agent in years, triggering a frenzied recruitment tour. He chose the Edmonton Oilers, burdened with immediate expectations to quarterback a struggling franchise. The fit was imperfect, and the pressure immense. A trade to Pittsburgh in 2016 became his liberation. Under the guidance of the Penguins, his offensive instincts were harnessed within a structured system. Deployed as a mobile, third-pairing weapon, Schultz’s ability to transition the puck and contribute on the power play was a perfect complement to Pittsburgh's star-driven attack. He hoisted the Stanley Cup in his first two seasons with the team, contributing crucial goals during those playoff runs. Later, he proved his value as a steady veteran presence for Washington and Seattle, his career arc a lesson in finding the right role to maximize elite skill.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Justin was born in 1990, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Justin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Justin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Could drive
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2008Could vote
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won consecutive Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017.
- Named a First Team All-American twice while playing for the University of Wisconsin (2011, 2012).
- Led all NHL defencemen in power-play points during the 2016-17 regular season.
- Recorded a career-high 51 points (12 goals, 39 assists) with the Edmonton Oilers in the 2013-14 season.
Did You Know?
He was originally drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the second round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft but never signed with them.
His 2012 free agency period was so unusual for a college player that it led to an NHL rule change regarding the negotiation window for such prospects.
He scored his first NHL goal on his first shot in his first game, for the Edmonton Oilers in 2012.
“I just wanted to play in the NHL, and Edmonton gave me that chance.”
