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If Justin Schultz hadn’t retired this week, or if he had chosen not to retire, is there an NHL team that could use his services?
It’s an interesting situation, since all 32 NHL teams had the opportunity to pursue Justin Schultz last summer, but he ended up playing in Europe. It’s still unclear how many NHL teams he was willing to consider or if any made serious offers. Despite this, Schultz enjoyed a relatively successful NHL career before joining HC Lugano – a move he now views as a mistake.
With hindsight being 20/20, if a team had a chance to do it again, would it make sense? Who could be better off with Schultz on their roster than him hanging up his skates?
Edmonton Oilers
Schultz began his NHL career with the Edmonton Oilers, a team that was in a rebuilding phase and unable to fully utilize his skills. At the time, the Oilers were far from playoff contention, and although they chose Edmonton over several other teams as a college player, his four seasons were personally productive but did not helped the team fight.
A decade later, the Oilers are now Stanley Cup contenders, looking for depth on their blue line. Interestingly, Schultz’s current situation may not fit Edmonton’s needs in the same way it didn’t during his first stint, but for entirely different reasons. The Oilers now need players who can immediately contribute to their championship aspirations, and as a former Stanley Cup winner, Schultz brings valuable experience.
If Evan Bouchard’s recent injury proves serious or persistent, Schultz could be a solid option on the power play, providing depth and leadership at a critical time.
Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks have Filip Hronek, Tyler Myers, Noah Juulsen and Vincent Desharnais as options on the right side of their blue line. Hronek is on LTIR and Desharnais has been the subject of trade rumors as the Canucks aggressively seek an upgrade in the NHL trade market. In a pinch or as a temporary solution, Schultz would be an interesting option.
The Canucks are trying to win and if options are limited on the trade market, a player like Schultz could fill a void.
Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks are unlikely to be a playoff team this season, but they are a franchise willing to sign veterans who can mentor their younger players and potentially get knocked down at the trade deadline if they perform well.
A player like Justin Schultz could be an interesting addition. If he joins the team and helps stabilize the right side alongside Connor Murphy – who is essentially the only veteran there – Schultz would have enough ice time to prove his worth. This could position him as a trade option for a contending team at the deadline. The Blackhawks would not need to invest significant assets to acquire Schultz, but could potentially get an additional draft pick through a deadline deal.
Nashville Predators
The Nashville Predators, frustrated by their lack of success despite a busy offseason, have taken several steps this season in an attempt to spark lasting success. Unfortunately, little has worked so far.
With Alexandre Carrier out due to injury, Luke Schenn and Nick Blankenburg are currently the only right-handed defensemen on the roster. Adding Justin Schultz wouldn’t make the Predators an overnight contender, nor would it be a turning point for their season, but it could provide a boost. If general manager Barry Trotz is looking for a potential solution, Schultz would be an interesting option to consider.
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