Wings aggressive in getting Schultz TheFourthPeriod.com
While pending free-agent defenseman Justin Schultz is only 21 years old, he is expected to be one of the most sought-after free agents on the market this summer, and the Detroit News reports that the Red Wings are likely to be an aggressive suitor.
However, the Wings will need to compete with several other teams, including the Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers, Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers, to sign the young blueliner.
"The competition for Schultz will be every bit as intense as the competition for Suter and Parise," NHL analyst Ray Ferraro said on TSN radio. "This kid has the potential to step in and play next year and to be a top-four guy next year."
Although teams are not allowed to offer Schultz more than a customary entry-level deal of approximately $875,000 for two to three years, the defenseman could lean towards a club willing to guarantee him playing time in an NHL lineup next season.
In 37 games with the University of Wisconsin last season, Schultz tallied 16 goals and 28 assists for 44 points.
