Free agent defenseman Justin Schultz could play for almost any NHL team he wanted to at this point. However, a Thursday report says that his list of preferred teams is a small one. According to the Detroit News, Schultz would like to play for a team in Western Canada.
A native of British Columbia, Schultz will meet with five or six teams in Toronto this week. If he is steadfast in his demand to play close to home, that would leave the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers and, of course, the Vancouver Canucks as the most likely destinations. He rejected the Red Wings.
Almost any team in the league could use his talent. Just 22 years old, Schultz has a rare scoring touch for a blueliner. The New York Rangers were one of several teams said to be interested, but that option could be off the table if this report proves to be accurate.
Schultz is limited to signing a two-year entry level contract as a free agent. He spurned Anaheim who drafted him in 2008, setting up his unrestricted free agency this year.
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