Oilers sign Justin Schultz to short term deal

EDMONTON – The Edmonton Oilers and defenceman Justin Schultz have agreed on a one-year contract.

Schultz, 24, is coming off his second NHL season, which he tallied 33 goals – 11 goals and 22 assists – and led the team in ice time at 23:20 per game in 74 games.

General Manager Craig MacTavish said the organization want to see more of Schultz before committing to a long term deal.

“What we wanted to do as an organization was buy ourselves a little bit of time so we have what we feel is going to be a much better environment to negotiate a long term deal in terms of the potential growth of the player and potential growth of the team,” explained MacTavish.

Despite the hesitancy to sign the young blueliner to a lengthy contract, MacTavish said he’s confident Schultz will develop into a top defenceman.

“I think that Justin has Norris Trophy potential and I don’t think there would be too many people who would disagree with me in that regard.”

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The blueliner lead all Oilers defencemen in points, assists, goals, and ice time during the 2013-2014 campaign.