Rangers interested in Justin Schultz as a free agent
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The Rangers will attempt to pump another resource through their Badgers Pipeline by getting in on the derby for Wisconsin junior defenseman Justin Schultz if the 43rd overall selection in the 2008 Entry Draft spurns Anaheim’s offers and becomes a free agent on July 1, Slap Shots has learned.
Schultz, who will turn 22 on June 6, is a 6-foot-1, 185-pound defenseman much in the mold of Ryan McDonagh, but with a more developed offensive game. McDonagh and Derek Stepan each played the 2009-10 season with then-freshman Schultz at Wisconsin before turning pro with the Rangers.
The Blueshirts would be in the hunt for this Hobey Baker nominee regardless, but their interest likely is intensified because of uncertainty regarding the health of Michael Sauer, who has been sidelined since Dec. 5 with post-concussion symptoms.
Under terms of the collective bargaining agreement, Schultz would be bound to sign a two-year Entry Level contract if he chooses to become a free agent. If he were to eschew free agency and sign with Anaheim before the end of the season, he would have only one year remaining on the Entry Level deal.
Why would they not be interested? Right handed shot. Provides offensive punch from the blueline.
They get Schultz for 2 years at entry level money. Gives them a cheap option on D. He will probably command a decent bonus package but there will be a bonus cushion in the next CBA. If Schultz hits those bonuses,the Rangers have a great player on their hands.
Blake Wheeler was free to talk to teams in June 2008. He visited the Rangers and other teams. He agreed to terms with Boston before July 1. The signing was announced on July 1.
Blake Wheeler was free to talk to teams in June 2008. He visited the Rangers and other teams. He agreed to terms with Boston before July 1. The signing was announced on July 1.
Same scenario for Schultz.
Wheeler used his leverage to sign with the only team he ever really intended to sign with. Making it more hilarious when he was traded.
Stealing Schultz from the Ducks would be absolutely great. Obviously I'd hate to be on the other side of such a situation, and I believe that the next CBA should really address this loophole, but another high end defensive prospect, especially without giving up any assets, would be superb.
Why would they not be interested? Right handed shot. Provides offensive punch from the blueline.
They get Schultz for 2 years at entry level money. Gives them a cheap option on D. He will probably command a decent bonus package but there will be a bonus cushion in the next CBA. If Schultz hits those bonuses,the Rangers have a great player on their hands.
Schultz is an offensive defenseman. Besides DZ,the Rangers don't have much offense from the blueline. Schultz could decide to play closer to home in Vancouver or maybe he doesn't want the pressure of playing close to home. He could decide to play on a team with former teammates such as the Rangers. A young team with many former NCAA players. Schultz will have many pursuers.
Not entirely sold on Schultz. But if you can sign him for no lost assets why not?
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Schultz would fill an obvious need in the organization. Due to neither Sanguinetti nor Gilroy turning out as hoped, there is a great need for a an offensive D-man with a RH'd shot. He'd be a welcome pickup.
Man this defense would be insane, assuming the kid lives up to his hype and everyone else keeps progressing or maintaining their elite play.
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"I used to pray for good things . I used to ask the Hockey Gods for puck luck for the NYR .
Now all I want is Torts the smug stupid goatee clown to be fired , . I hate Torts . Please hockey gods make him get fired. Please Sean punch him in face" -- Dorado
