Rutherford told the press on Schultz, “We were trying to add some depth to our defense and we’re very pleased to add him,” Rutherford said. “We’re hoping that a change of scenery will be good. He’s very good on the offensive side. He still needs some work on the defensive side." The Penguins GM also indicated that he doesn't feel the Penguins are done making deals and that a few more could happen before Monday at 3:00pm.
Who is Mr. Schultz?
The Penguins were one of the teams several summers ago that was in the hunt to sign Schultz. Originally drafted by Anaheim in the 2nd round of 2008, the 25-year-old defenseman was a standout collegiate hockey player at the University of Wisconsin. Known as an offensive defenseman, he posted 40 goals and 113 points in 121 career games for the Badgers. Following his junior year, the British Columbia native deregistered from Wisconsin to become an unrestricted free agent and the ability to sign with any team in the NHL. The Oilers won the sweepstakes, signing Schultz to a two-year entry level deal.
Schultz has spent the last three and a half seasons playing in the NHL. He started in all 48 games of the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season for the Oilers. He posted 8 goals, 27 points in that time, but a dreadful minus-17 rating. His sophomore year was solid as well, setting a career high with 11 goals and 33 points in 74 games. Unfortunately, he was a minus-22 on the season for the dreadful Oilers.
It's been a really down year for Schultz this season, as it's been for the Oilers in general. He only has 3 goals and 10 points through 45 games. He was also a minus-22 through those 45 appearances. For his career, Schultz has 28 goals, 101 points, 45 power play points, 22:09 ATOI and a minus-78 rating.
My Thoughts on Schultz/Deal
Justin Schultz is a very good offensive defenseman, with a bunch of upside, that has had his development stunted by being in the Oilers organization. Let's face it, the organization is a mess when you have 10 top 10 picks over the previous decade and are still a complete dumpster fire. Schultz is another unfortunate casualty of this.
Schultz has the talent. He produced big numbers at the collegiate level playing at a very good school. His numbers in Edmonton offensively have been solid as well. 101 points and 45 power play points in 248 games is not bad for a kid in only his fourth year of professional hockey. He still needs to develop his defensive skills further, but I think he will be able to do so with Jacques Martin and Mike Sullivan behind the Penguins bench. Add Sergei Gonchar to that mix and Schultz could really turn his career around.
As for the deal itself, I really like it. The Penguins give up a 3rd rounder in this year's draft, but they acquire a commodity that will be a restricted free agent at year's end, instead of a rental. Schultz could be re-signed this summer and developed further, which I wouldn't be opposed to the Penguins doing.
Now, is Justin Schultz better than Ian Cole? I honestly don't know. I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise. The minus-78 rating is worrying, but lets face it, he didn't have much support in Edmonton, either on the blueline, up front or in net. On a legitimate team, with a real goaltender and solid blueline, I think he could be a real asset.
As for the 3rd rounder, it is a reasonable price. I wouldn't have given up a second rounder for him, but I can live with a third. I also feel the Penguins will acquire more picks via trade, most likely for Jeff Zatkoff, Sergei Plotnikov and/or Ian Cole. Rutherford stated he wasn't done, so I would expect these names to be the bait for anything that happens going forward.
One final note, GM JIm Rutherford stated that Schultz would not be in town until Wednesday or Thursday, since immigration and visa issues will need to be sorted out. So we will not have him in the lineup for Monday's game v. Arizona or in Washington on Tuesday. I'm fine with that, since it means he will likely get a few practices under his belt before he is tossed in a game situation.
I'm excited. The next few days will be fun too, but I'm happy with this deal and excited to see what he brings. So that being said, welcome to Pittsburgh Justin Schultz.