MADISON – Defenseman Justin Schultz, a two-time Hobey Baker Award finalist at Wisconsin, has agreed to forgo his final season of eligibility and sign with the NHL's Edmonton Oilers.
A 2008 second-round pick of the Anaheim Ducks, Schultz became a free agent after withdrawing from school, and then opting to not sign with the Ducks earlier in June. He can officially sign an NHL offer on July 1.
Schultz was a two-time WCHA Defensive Player of the Year, and twice led all NCAA defensemen in goals and points. Schultz was the first defenseman in Wisconsin history to lead his team in goals, posting 16 last winter. He totaled 40 goals and 113 points in his 121-game Badger career. His collegiate highlight came in 2010, when he helped lead the Badgers to the 2010 NCAA men's Frozen Four title game in Detroit.
Schultz now looks to join a long line of Badgers defensemen in the NHL, including Nashville's Ryan Suter, the New York Rangers' Ryan McDonagh, Toronto's Jake Gardiner, and Carolina's Jamie McBain.
