Thread: Will Schultz bolt from Anaheim for UFA?

Schultz Watch Officially Begins - Bucky's 5th Quarter

When Wisconsin was officially eliminated from tournament contention on Sunday night, the focus immediately shifted to the future of Wisconsin defenseman Justin Schultz...

With Wisconsin's loss, many speculated that Schultz may sign with Anaheim and join them in time for tonight's game against Colorado. That was put to rest quickly, as Schultz got on the plane with his teammates after the game and headed back to Madison.

Asked about his pro status after the game, Schultz clearly wasn't ready talk about it.

"I'm not going to get into that right now. I honestly haven't thought about it," Schultz told the local media.

Would be a big blow to Anaheim.

Kid has high-end potential.

Hadn't paid any attention to this... Thanks for the link.
Will be interesting to see how it plays out.

Originally Posted by Mr. Teeny

Hadn't paid any attention to this... Thanks for the link.
Will be interesting to see how it plays out.

He's a pretty good looking prospect.

From many accounts I have read, he and Tim Erixon of the NYR are among the best d-men not currently playing in the NHL.

Also a finalist for the 2012 Hobey Baker Award.

Justin Schultz – University of Wisconsin, Junior, Defense, West Kelowna, British Columbia

A Hobey finalist for the second straight season, Schultz leads the nation in defenseman scoring bagging 44 points in 37 games. His dominating play earned him First Team WCHA and Defensive Player of the Year honors, both for the second year in a row. Posting back-to-back 40-point seasons, Schultz has scored 7 power play goals and is a key on special teams.

* posted 16 goals and 28 assists for 44 points in 37 games – 12 multiple point games

* Anaheim draft pick (2nd round) – first Badger defenseman ever to lead team in goals

Hobey Baker Award Committee Announces the 2012 Top Ten Finalists | Hobey Baker Memorial Award Foundation



If he can continue 2 add strength and work on his defensive game -which has already grown significantly since his time under Mike Eaves - he could develop into a top 2 D-Man for whichever team he ends up playing with.

Offensively, he is already a Stud.

Again, big loss for the Ducks if he does not sign.

I bet the NHL pushes to close this avenue for drafted players to sign with the team of their choosing, in the next CBA. It has got to frustrate GMs to no end and it probably makes some think twice before drafting NCAA bound prospects.

What a bizarre loophole.

Originally Posted by USCKingsFan31

What a bizarre loophole.

What's interesting is that there's a similar loophole for players drafted out of the CHL but it's so rarely used that people forget it's there. In fact, Jarret Stoll used the loophole to get drafted twice. Once by the Flames in 2000 and then by Oilers in 2002.