Former Boston Bruins defenseman Steven Kampfer has officially retired from professional hockey after wrapping up a strong season in the KHL with Traktor Chelyabinsk.
Kampfer walks away after final khl season, closing a career that spanned the bruins and overseas leagues
Steven Kampfer wasn’t a household name, but his career told a story of persistence.
After more than a decade in the pros, the 36-year-old has stepped away from the game following a solid final campaign in Russia, where he put up 10 goals and 22 assists in 59 games with Traktor Chelyabinsk.
His NHL journey began when the Anaheim Ducks selected him in the fourth round of the 2007 Draft—93rd overall. He never played for Anaheim, though.
On March 2, 2010, they dealt his rights to the Boston Bruins for a conditional fourth-round pick. That trade quietly marked the start of a long relationship with Boston.
A reliable presence in boston who came back when needed
Kampfer suited up for the Bruins across multiple seasons.
After his first stint, which ended in 2012, he made his way back to the team in 2018 in a deal with the New York Rangers. His second go-round with Boston proved just as steady.
In 2019, GM Don Sweeney signed Kampfer to a two-year extension, valuing the role he played in the locker room and on the ice. He wasn’t logging 25 minutes a night, but whenever his number was called, he responded—steady, dependable, and focused.
Finished strong in the KHL before calling it a career
Following his time with Boston, Kampfer took on a new challenge overseas.
He joined the KHL, where he quietly became a top contributor for Traktor.
His final stat line—32 points in 59 games—was one of his most productive seasons to date.
His retirement became official through a post from @ep_transfers:
Former #NHLBruins defenseman Steven Kampfer has retired from professional hockey per an @ep_transfers post moments ago.
Across 231 NHL games, Kampfer built a career rooted in trust. Coaches leaned on him. Teammates respected him. He was never flashy, never the face of a franchise—but that didn’t matter. He knew how to play a role, and he played it well.
In a league where many fade out quickly, Kampfer stayed the course—through trades, call-ups, and overseas adventures. He exits the game with quiet dignity, having earned every shift, every contract, and every bit of respect.
Bruins after dark 
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