Kevin Shattenkirk liked the pitch. The Anaheim Ducks wanted the 2020 Stanley Cup champion to help build a championship culture.
On Oct. 9, 2020, Shattenkirk signed a three-year, $11.7 million contract, joining then-Ducks and future Boston Bruins teammates Hampus Lindholm and Danton Heinen. Three years later, Shattenkirk’s Anaheim residency had concluded without a playoff appearance.
“We tried,” Shattenkirk said. “It shows how hard it is to create a locker room like they have here. When you look around the league, the teams that are consistently at the top of the pile, it takes time.”
Shattenkirk knows his black-and-gold history. In 2007-08, he was a Boston University freshman when Zdeno Chara, Patrice Bergeron and the Bruins made the first of seven straight postseason appearances.
Shattenkirk knew Chara and Bergeron had helped construct something with staying power. He wanted to feel it. He was tired of losing.
“It was hard. It was long days,” Shattenkirk said of three straight playoff no-shows. “I’m sure my wife can attest to it at home.”
Don Sweeney was watching.
Rebuilding a juggernaut
The 2022-23 Bruins were monsters. They won a record-breaking 65 times.
Bergeron and David Krejci were back for one last ride. Former MVP Taylor Hall was on the third line. The…
