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(Very Short) Bridge Deal for Schultz... one year, $3.7M |
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Justin Schultz scored pretty big in his new deal with the Edmonton Oilers. Not only does he get a raise from his entry-level specified deal to $3.675 million, it's only a one-year deal so he's got the ability to go looking for an even bigger raise as a restricted free agent again next summer.
In announcing the extension, Craig MacTavish said Schultz has "Norris Trophy potential". I'm not sure I entirely buy that. Yes, he's a tremendous offensive talent. Yes, defensemen tend to take a couple years longer than forwards to fully develop as pros. Even so, Schultz is already 24 years old and still has a LONG way to go, especially in the defensive aspects of the game, before he'd be considered any sort of realistic candidate to be chosen as the best defenseman in the NHL.
At any rate, there is no doubt the Oilers will be building their blueline around Schultz and (soon) Darnell Nurse in the years to come. It's equally certain that Schultz has some HUGE figures already in mind for his next contract and will get them if he has a good season.
More to come...