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