By Sunil Agnihotri

Before the NHL’s free agency kicked off, University of Wisconsin defencemen Justin Schultz was deciding on which NHL team he would start his professional career with. Originally a second round draft pick of the Anaheim Ducks in 2008, Schultz became an unrestricted free agent after his contract expired on June 24^th, 2012. Schultz and the Ducks were unable to finalize a deal to keep the highly regarded prospect with the organization creating a unique situation for the US college player.

Over the course of three years at Wisconsin, Schultz played 121 games, scoring 40 goals and 113 points (Hockey DB). Corey Pronman of Puck Prospectus provides a scouting report of Schultz:

If you want a defenseman who can control a power play, make great outlets, be creative with the puck, hit his passing targets through tight seams, and know when to join the rush…