Okposo, Shattenkirk aim to enhance player experience with NHLPA roles

All photos courtesy of Getty Images

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Widely respected by their fellow players throughout their NHL playing careers, Kyle Okposo and Kevin Shattenkirk are continuing to make an impact on the game through their new roles with the National Hockey League Players’ Association.

Across a combined 2,003 NHL regular-season games, right-winger Okposo and defenceman Shattenkirk developed reputations as respected players – admired as much for their leadership as for their on-ice contributions.

On May 1, 2025, NHLPA executive director, Marty Walsh, announced that Okposo – who officially retired on Sept. 19, 2024 – had been named business development and player engagement advisor with the union. Shattenkirk, who played over 950 NHL games with seven different NHL teams, was hired as a divisional player representative in March after retiring on Dec. 10, 2024.

“I’m looking forward to taking everything from over the course of playing the game professionally for 17 years and using it to enhance the players’ experience,” said Okposo.

“It’s such a privilege to play in the NHL and there are so many things that come with it. A lot of times, players don’t always take advantage of those opportunities. You need to be dedicated to your craft and be sure you are doing all the things you need to be doing on the ice, but I think there is a large opportunity for the players to enhance their experience and make them more well-rounded people. When their NHL career is over, they can set themselves up for a great transition for the next part of their life.”

Shattenkirk’s role will see him work closely with current players alongside the NHLPA’s three other divisional player representatives, also former players, Chris Campoli, Joe Reekie and Rob Zamuner.

“When you are playing, especially when you make it to the NHL, you think about your legacy and what you are going to accomplish as a player and how far you will go,” said Shattenkirk, who played in 14 NHL campaigns. “You never really think about after that, and all the time you will have in your life.

“Now, having the opportunity this spring to get back on the road with some of the DPRs and meet with teams – we’re going to dinner, talking about business related to the PA – it’s a great, relaxed setting, where you are having casual, but meaningful conversations about the opportunities that lie ahead after hockey.”

Both players have a longstanding involvement with the NHLPA.

Okposo, who played with the New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres and Florida Panthers – winning the Stanley Cup in 2023-24 with the latter – served as a member of the NHLPA Executive Board and the 2022-23 Executive Director Search Committee. 

“I did a lot of work – as Kevin did – with the NHLPA when I was playing,” Okposo. “I took an interest because it was a way to expand my experience in the game and learn the business side of the game. Having a strong union is important for the game we love. It felt like a natural progression to come and work with the NHLPA in this role. I am excited to be a part of the group and take a deeper dive into everything the PA offers and learning more.”

Shattenkirk, who won a Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020, and skated with the St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, Anaheim Ducks and Boston Bruins throughout his career, also worked to strengthen the NHLPA as a member of the Executive Board, the 2012-13 Negotiating Committee and the 2022-23 Executive Director Search Committee.

“Being involved with the PA when I played allowed me to see there is a bigger picture,” said Shattenkirk.

“Staying involved with the PA when I was playing helped me believe I can make things better for the players and the game. I have insights I think can help people and it’s something I hope I can use to help build our game for the better.” 

While he will be a familiar face and name to most of the players he speaks with, Shattenkirk is equally excited for the opportunity to talk with players he doesn’t know.

“I have built a lot of great friendships over the years and played on enough teams to know a lot of people through the league. I can go to those dinners and see some familiar faces. That helps me meet new people, especially the young guys who are coming into the league. If they need some help, anything we can offer, that helps build those connections, and make the players feel safe when they are chatting with you.”

Okposo echoed his colleague’s sentiments.

“I loved my teammates. Near the end of my career, when I took on more of a leadership role, my first goal was to make sure everyone on the team was in a good place, mentally. I was not the best player on the team – I had no illusions of thinking that – but if my teammates were in a great place, we were going to have the most success as a team. I took that to heart and by the work I’m doing now, I can carry that on and continue to build relationships. I have lots of relationships with players, but for those I know and those who I will come to know, I want them to feel that same way.” 

Okposo and Shattenkirk each have high praise for the other.

The two first crossed paths on the ice in their early teens.

“Kyle and I have known each other for a while,” said Shattenkirk. “We played against one another when we were probably 14 or 15. We also got pretty close when we did the [NHLPA] Executive Director search. Just an incredibly bright, well-spoken man, someone who is so respected throughout the league. His ability to look at things differently and ask those questions people might not be thinking of – he is not afraid to ask questions, and he is only going to make the PA better.”

Okposo had similar words about Shattenkirk.

“Shatty is the kind of person no one would say a bad word about,” said Okposo. “He is a great person to be around, he loves the game, and he is a great person. Playing against him – he was a great competitor. To be on board on with someone like him – it shows the PA is a great place to work and they have respect for people who care about the players and the game itself.”

One familiar aspect of their new NHLPA roles? Road trips will still very much be a part of both their lives.

And just like during their playing days, preparation is paramount when they meet with players across the league engaging membership.

“The ability to get back out on the road and see the guys – it makes you feel you still have that locker room atmosphere,” said Shattenkirk. “I was an NHLPA Player Rep for many years. I know a good amount of PA business, but for me, getting involved in this way, speaking to the licensing department, marketing, business, medical – it has really opened my eyes.

“In my role, I need to know a bit about everything, so I can feel confident answering any questions the players may have. I’ve enjoyed talking with my counterparts and learning about the situations that come up over and over and committing all that to my memory.”

Shattenkirk is also grateful for the big assists from a group of former NHL players who brought their talents to the NHLPA.

“Getting on the road with the fellow DPRs, Joe Reekie, getting to know Rob Zamuner even more, and Chris Campoli, who has helped me out a ton. Joe and Rob have been doing this for a long time … the relationships they have established with the league and players is amazing.

“They have introduced me to so many people and helped me get my feet wet and get an understanding of the job.”

A job – like Okposo’s – that is the very definition of teamwork.

“When players retire, guys talk about the camaraderie they had with their teammates,” said Okposo. “Now, I feel like I’m part of a new team with the NHLPA and everyone working there. It’s a chance to share common goals with the people you work with.

“I am going to have different interactions with the players and even though it will be different than my playing days, how I talk to them and listen to them will be the same as when I played.”