The Pittsburgh Penguins have aquired offensive defenseman Justin Schultz from the Edmenton Oilers for a third-round draft choice in the 2016 NHL draft. Edmenton will retain half of Schultz' $3.9 Million salary.
Schultz, 25, has 10 points in 45 games played this season (3g, 7a) and is a -22 this season. Not so good numbers for a defenseman.
Schultz needed a change of scenery and fits head coach Mike Sullivan's strategy. Schultz still has room to develop in a new organization that praises defensemen.
The Penguins got a top four/six defenseman in Schultz but struggles to defend in his own end. Fans and experts thought the same for Trevor Dailey when he came from Chicago for Rob Scuderi. Dailey has performed very well in his tenure with Pittsburgh.
Schultz situation is similar to Jeff Petry of the Montreal Canadians last season when he was dealt to Montreal by Edmenton. Petry had bad numbers in Edemnton and played much better in a new organization. The Penguins can develop and better Schultz' defensive play and he stated that is his main focus in improving his game.
Schultz won't arrive until Wednsday or Thursday depending on his Visa issues. Look to see him paired with either Dailey or Derrick Pouliot. Paring him with Pouliot, however, won't be smart due to his defensive struggles also.
Stay tuned Pittsburgh.
Schultz, 25, has 10 points in 45 games played this season (3g, 7a) and is a -22 this season. Not so good numbers for a defenseman.
Schultz needed a change of scenery and fits head coach Mike Sullivan's strategy. Schultz still has room to develop in a new organization that praises defensemen.
The Penguins got a top four/six defenseman in Schultz but struggles to defend in his own end. Fans and experts thought the same for Trevor Dailey when he came from Chicago for Rob Scuderi. Dailey has performed very well in his tenure with Pittsburgh.
Schultz situation is similar to Jeff Petry of the Montreal Canadians last season when he was dealt to Montreal by Edmenton. Petry had bad numbers in Edemnton and played much better in a new organization. The Penguins can develop and better Schultz' defensive play and he stated that is his main focus in improving his game.
Schultz won't arrive until Wednsday or Thursday depending on his Visa issues. Look to see him paired with either Dailey or Derrick Pouliot. Paring him with Pouliot, however, won't be smart due to his defensive struggles also.
Stay tuned Pittsburgh.