Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
If Justin Schultz hadn’t retired this week, or he chose to unretire, is there an NHL team out there that could use his services?
It’s an interesting situation, as all 32 NHL teams had the opportunity to pursue Justin Schultz last summer, yet he ended up playing in Europe. It remains unclear how many NHL teams he was willing to consider or whether any made serious offers. Despite this, Schultz had a relatively successful NHL career before joining HC Lugano — a move he now reportedly views as a mistake.
Hindsight being 20/20, if a team had a chance for a do-over, would it make sense? Who might be better off with Schultz on their roster versus 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 not in a position to fully utilize his skill set. At the time, the Oilers were far from playoff contention, and despite choosing Edmonton over several other teams as a college player, his four seasons were personally productive but didn’t help the team contend.
Fast forward a decade, and the Oilers are now Stanley Cup contenders, looking for depth on their blueline. Interestingly, Schultz’s current situation may not align with Edmonton’s needs in the same way it didn’t during his first stint, but for entirely different reasons. The Oilers now require players who can contribute immediately to their championship aspirations, and as a former Stanley Cup winner, Schultz brings valuable experience.
If Evan Bouchard’s recent injury turns out to be serious or lingering, Schultz could be a strong power-play option, offering 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 blueline. Hronek is on LTIR and Desharnais has been the subject of trade rumors as the Canucks aggressively search the NHL trade market for an upgrade. 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 hole.
Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks are unlikely to be a playoff team this season, but they are a franchise willing to bring in veterans who can mentor their younger players and potentially be flipped at the trade deadline if they perform well.
A player like Justin Schultz could be an intriguing addition. If he joins the team and helps stabilize the right side alongside Connor Murphy — who is essentially the lone veteran presence there — Schultz would have ample ice time to prove his value. This could position him as a trade option for a contending team at the deadline. The Blackhawks wouldn’t need to invest significant assets to acquire Schultz but could instead potentially gain an extra draft pick through a deadline deal.
Nashville Predators
The Nashville Predators, frustrated by their lack of success despite a busy off-season, have made several moves this season in an attempt to spark sustained success. Unfortunately, not much has worked so far.
With Alexandre Carrier sidelined 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 a contender overnight, nor would it be the turning point for their season, but it could provide a boost. If GM Barry Trotz is looking for a potential solution, Schultz would be an intriguing option to consider.
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