4-Time Stanley Cup Champ Chris Kunitz Retires to Join Blackhawks Staff

Veteran forward and four-time Stanley Cup champion Chris Kunitz has officially hung up his skates. Kunitz spent 15 seasons in the NHL, splitting time across the Anaheim Ducks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Tampa Bay Lightning and Chicago Blackhawks.

After earning his first cup in 2007 with the Ducks, Kunitz went on to become a key component of three cup-winning Penguins teams. Over the past two seasons with the Lightning and Blackhawks, it was clear that his time in the league might be coming to an end.

But after announcing his retirement, Kunitz made it clear he wouldn't be leaving the game entirely.

He'll join Chicago's staff as a Player Develpoment Adviser, which couldn't be a more perfect role for him. Over the course of 1,022 games with four different teams, Kunitz was revered as one of the most genuine and hard-working teammates.

Despite not lighting up the score sheet night after night, it was doing the little things that defined Kunitz's illustrious career. However, he was certainly no stranger to clutch goals. En route to his third Stanley Cup with the Penguins, Kunitz provided one of the most electrifying goals you'll ever see.

Wildly enough, that goal turned out to be Kunitz's last in a Penguins uniform.

Although he had the ability to get under his opponent's skin, Kunitz will go down as one of the true gentlemen of the game. Sticking around with the Blackhawks to help develop the league's young talent just goes to show his commitment and passion for the game.

As fans of hockey, we can all come together as one to congratulate Chris Kunitz on an incredible NHL career.