Nuts and Schultz

By: Brad Matus (@Bwhockey88)

Going into the 2015-16 NHL trade deadline the Penguins knew what they needed: a depth defenseman. That is exactly what they got with the acquisition of right handed Justin Schultz. General manager Jim Rutherford was able to bring in Schultz from Edmonton for a 3rd round pick in the 2016 draft. I wouldn't exactly consider Schultz a depth defenseman, but this could be a complete steal of a trade. If Schultz's play against New Jersey was any indication of what's to come, he could resign at season's end and become an important part of the Pens' blue line plans for years to come. In my opinion, I think it was a perfect trade for the Pens. We got exactly what we needed, plus it brings more skill to the defense corps. Yeah, Schultz might have been having a rough year with the Oilers. But now that he's with a much better Penguins organization, I think things will start to turn around for the 25 year old. In Schultz' first game with the Penguins he recorded 16 minutes and 23 seconds of ice time against the New Jersey Devils. He recorded one assist in the 6-1 win, and was a plus 2 on the night. In my personal opinion I think the guy will be a great asset to the team down the stretch and into the playoffs. I have a lot of high hopes for Schultz and I think the organization does to. He's going to help the team out a lot if you ask me. He will be perfectly fine if he just maintains the way he plays and plays to his abilities. He has so much potential and he has to live up to it. He knows he has to, and we the fans know he has to. The once heralded prospect was considered a Norris Trophy talent when he was drafted by Edmonton. I like the way he played in his first game in Pittsburgh from what I saw and heard, due to the fact I had personal matters to take care of. The next Penguins' game you watch I want you to take a look at Schultz and watch what kind of game he is playing. He's a big guy but he's not likely to take the body as he will look to try to contribute more offensively. If he's going to be a big key to the Penguins success and helping bring Lord Stanley back to the Burgh, then he's got to play within himself and cut down the mistakes he made in Edmonton. I believe Sergei Gonchar will help him achieve this success level.