Like an up-and-coming oil baron full of youthful swagger, the Edmonton Oilers have made a huge statement Saturday with the apparent signing of prized free-agent defenseman Justin Schultz. Drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in 2008, Schultz never agreed to terms with the team.
Schultz joins a trio of first-round draft picks including this year's' first overall selection Nail Yakupov. New Oilers coach Ralph Krueger will have a wealth of talent at his fingertips with lots of room to grow.
Schultz will be a rookie, but the big (former) Wisconsin Badger is tapped by experts to be an NHL-ready prize. He comes with great puck-handling skills, a great work ethic and is a lock to be a top-four defenseman.
Schultz used a loophole in the the current NHL collective bargaining agreement which allowed him to stay in school after playing an extra year of junior hockey. As long as he never agreed to terms with the organization that drafted him, he was eligible for free agency after his third year in school.
Ironically, Schultz's fourth projected NHL game will be hosted by the team he was selected to play for. Ducks general manager Bob Murray, who even through ...
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Article written by Rob Kirk
NHL Free Agency: Justin Schultz Ducks Anaheim and Heads to Edmonton Oilers
June 30th, 2012 by Rob Kirk Leave a reply »
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