The Justin Schultz experiment in Edmonton is over. Today, the Oilers traded the 25-year-old defenseman to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a third round pick. The Oilers will retain 50% of Schultz’s salary.
Penguins send a 3rd rnd pick to Oilers for Schultz.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) February 27, 2016
Oilers retain 50 percent of Schultz salary in Pens trade
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) February 27, 2016
Justin Schultz Traded
Schultz was signed to a two-year entry-level contract by the Oilers on June 30th, 2012, as a highly touted UFA, after the Anaheim Ducks failed to sign Schultz within the 30-day period after he deregistered from the University of Wisconsin. On August 28th, 2014 Schultz signed a one-year, $3.675 million deal to avoid arbitration. Then he avoided arbitration yet again this past summer when he signed another one-year deal at $3.9 million.
Schultz came into the NHL with plenty of promise and hype. He scored 27 points in the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season and was a major contributor on the Oilers power play. After an 11-goal, 33-point season in 2013-14, he hasn’t taken the next step. He put up just 31 points last season, and has just 10 points this year. Along the way his defensive game has been questionable and he’s seen his possession numbers drop.
Schultz was in his 4th season with the Oilers before the trade. He will be in his final year of restricted free agency this upcoming summer.
If Pittsburgh really sees potential in him to succeed in the future, and Schultz shows promise down the stretch, this would be a good time to offer him a contract extension and lock him up. If the Penguins do not give Schultz a one-year qualifying offer at his current salary, he could become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st.
Main Photo Credit:
Main Photo Caption: DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 19: Justin Schultz #19 of the Edmonton Oilers controls the puck against the Colorado Avalanche at Pepsi Center on December 19, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. The Avalanche defeated the Oilers 5-1. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
