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Where does Justin Schultz sign? [MOD: All Schultz Talk]
The statement isn't completely obsured. Lidstrom is a UFA technically, but really he's not. Same goes for Stuart. He's made it very clear it's DET or SoCal (SJS most likely if he's wanted). Wideman is definitely better as are a lot of the other UFA defenceman, but when you factor in age, potential and cost of contract, Schultz is very appealing to all 30 teams.
The statement isn't completely obsured. Lidstrom is a UFA technically, but really he's not. Same goes for Stuart. He's made it very clear it's DET or SoCal (SJS most likely if he's wanted). Wideman is definitely better as are a lot of the other UFA defenceman, but when you factor in age, potential and cost of contract, Schultz is very appealing to all 30 teams.
Appealing? Yes.
Intriguing? Absolutely.
Nowhere close to being the 2nd best UFA d-man. He'd be exceeding expectations to even be in the top 6-8 available based on performance next season.
Minnesota has A, C and F on lock; as for the others, it depends on how loosely you want to interperet "team on the rise" and "defensive vets".
The Wild certainly don't have "defensive vets," but I think they can be considered a team on the rise if you look at it outside of a vacuum. In a vacuum, they're bottom 5 team in the NHL. But in reality, they were riddled with injuries this year to key players, they were adjusting to a new coach and system, and they actually looked like a playoff contending team for a good chunk of games when healthy. But the bigger picture for the Wild in terms of why it would be an alluring place to explore for Schultz is the infusion of young talent that is coming down the pipe for the Wild. Coyle, Granlund, Zucker, Brodin, etc are all going to be starting their pro careers in the next year most likely.
The bigger picture here though: Where is the outrage over Schultz not signing with the Ducks a la Blake Wheeler? Wheeler still gets called a "bad character" guy for what he did, and isn't Schultz doing exactly the same thing here? Someone explain me what's different with this situation.
The bigger picture here though: Where is the outrage over Schultz not signing with the Ducks a la Blake Wheeler? Wheeler still gets called a "bad character" guy for what he did, and isn't Schultz doing exactly the same thing here? Someone explain me what's different with this situation.
Blake Wheeler is thriving in the NHL. didn't affect his career at all.
I just we had some more concrete information from Shultz or his agent instead of reading the same old back-and-forth bickering between HFboards and Maple Leafs fans.
The bigger picture here though: Where is the outrage over Schultz not signing with the Ducks a la Blake Wheeler? Wheeler still gets called a "bad character" guy for what he did, and isn't Schultz doing exactly the same thing here? Someone explain me what's different with this situation.
He hasn't signed yet. Once he does all the hate will come, trust me.
The statement isn't completely obsured. Lidstrom is a UFA technically, but really he's not. Same goes for Stuart. He's made it very clear it's DET or SoCal (SJS most likely if he's wanted). Wideman is definitely better as are a lot of the other UFA defenceman, but when you factor in age, potential and cost of contract, Schultz is very appealing to all 30 teams.
Pretty much spot on. If he makes the NHL, then he's a bargain at roughly 900K per year even if he is no more than a 3rd pair defenseman, but he has the potential to be a top-4 D and right-handed power-play quarterback. If he's a bust, it costs the team $60K a year in salary to bury him in the minors then cut him lose.
Honestly, if I'm him, I'm looking for the best possible situation for success. That means a team that:
a) Has a hole on Defense
b) is either a team on the rise or a team that is a perennial playoff team
c) Has cap flexibility to allow for a potential payday
d) Has quality Defensive vets that would provide a guiding hand
e) Good development coaching (strong development track record)
f) a chance to start in the NHL right away
The teams that can check all or the majority of these criteria should be the frontrunners.
a) The Oilers have a definite hole on defense obviously, we have Petry, Smid and N. Schultz in the top 4. Whitney is the big wild card but he's not good enough right now.
b) The Oilers are a team on the rise with a lot of good offensive options up front and will add another blue chip player at the draft.
c) The Oilers have cap flexibility.
d) I would say that N. Schultz and Whitney are quality vets. I guess that Smid qualifies now too since he has been in the league for a while and is developing into quite the leader.
e) This is the big question mark. Renney and the current coaching staff might not be there next season but even if they stay, Petry and Smid have shown exceptional development this season so i suppose that is somewhat of a track record.
f) He could start right away for the Oilers. Again, a lot depends on Whitney's health and if they plan on bringing in a veteran top 4 Dman.
He would seem like the perfect fit for the Oilers. Their two biggest needs are a legit 2 way #2C and a top pairing puck moving RHD. Seems like J. Schultz fits the exact mold of the type of defenseman that they are looking for.
However, I don't know if he'll be too interested in the Oilers.
As much as i want him on the Oilers, a part of me would rather have him sign in Anaheim.
I hate when players ditch out on the teams that drafted them like that similar to what Riley Nash did to the Oilers.
I just we had some more concrete information from Shultz or his agent instead of reading the same old back-and-forth bickering between HFboards and Maple Leafs fans.
“I was actually talking to him a couple of days ago and I’m going to go back to Wisconsin for the All-Star break to see him and get some skating in,” said Gardiner. “It”s good working with him because we teach each other little things.”
Even though they are part of two different organizations, being just 21 years old, both should have lengthy NHL careers ahead of them; which leaves the door open for a potential reunion one day.
“We’ve joked around that someday, maybe we’ll play together again.”
Last edited by Holden Caulfield: 03-26-2012 at 02:00 PM.
Reason: qep
