3 Potential Free-Agent Destinations for Justin Schultz

5 months ago  /  NHL Trade Rumors

The 2024 NHL free-agent class is starting to dwindle down as we're over a week since free agency opened and there's only a select few NHL regulars who remained unsigned. Offensive defenseman Justin Schultz is one of the many free-agents still in search of a contract for next season. The 34-year-old blueliner is coming off a 26-point season with the Seattle Kraken. Schultz has shown he can still be a dependable depth defenseman who can help out on the power play. He's hit 50 points in his career and in the right situation, playing the right amount of minutes, can still be effective at his age thanks to his skating abilities and hockey sense.Here's three teams who may take a flyer on the veteran blueliner:San Jose SharksThe Sharks are going to be an exciting team to watch next season and they currently have a need for another defenseman on their NHL roster. GM Mike Grier is committed to the future but he also knows he needs some veterans to show the young core the ropes of the NHL. Schultz can step in and play on the Sharks second power play and be able to handle minutes in the bottom pair. The Sharks have lots of cap space left and don't expect to see much more than a league minimum deal signed once Schultz lands a new home.Utah HCUtah upgraded their defense core immensely this summer however they do still have a need for a 6/7 guy and someone who is right handed. Schultz could be an option for them and don't rule out seeing the veteran defenseman sign a professional tryout agreement to land himself an invite to training camp. It could come from Utah later this summer.Buffalo SabresThe Sabres have a solid young defense core, however they do have a need for another righty. Schultz isn't overly physical, he doesn't block a ton of shots and at times gets lost in searching for offense, but with the balance of the Rasmus Dahlin's and Owen Power's of the world, there could be a match in Buffalo. As a 6-7 d-man, Schultz could still be effective next season, we'll see if he gets his chance with the Sabres.Justin Schultz with a perfect cut down the lane #SeaKraken pic.twitter.com/eoKoOz4oCN— That's Hockey Talk (@ThatsHockeyTalk) May 3, 2023 photo credit:  Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports...

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