Ducks fans could target Oilers’ D-man Schultz
Anaheim fans weren’t happy rookie became a free agent
ANAHEIM, CALIF. — For the past 38 games, Justin Schultz has just gone about his business without much in the way of fanfare.
But the Edmonton Oilers rookie defenceman could be stepping into foreign territory when he skates onto the ice at the Honda Center.
The Oilers play Anaheim on Monday, which is not only the first meeting between the teams this season, but the first chance for Ducks fans to let Schultz know what they think about his decision to spurn their team so he could become a free agent.
Drafted by the Ducks in 2008, Schultz took part in two development camps while he was still with the University of Wisconsin. He spent time with Scott Niedermayer, who once anchored Anaheim’s defence, and according to some in the Ducks’ camp, he even told management he wanted to play for the California club.
But last summer, Schultz elected not to sign his entry level contract by June 25, which activated a clause in the collective bargaining agreement that allowed him to became unrestricted free agent. After sifting through his many options, he chose the Oilers.
It was not a decision that sat well with Ducks fans or Anaheim general manager Bob Murray.
Schultz, 22, said again on Sunday that it wasn’t anything that the Ducks did or didn’t do. He just wanted a chance to be a free agent.
“I saw an opportunity in Edmonton and I don’t regret that decision,” said Schutz, who said he has thought about playing at Anaheim in an Oilers jersey, but really doesn’t know what kind of reception he’ll receive.
When he was with the Oklahoma City Barons during the NHL lockout, he played an American Hockey League game in Abbotsford, B.C., and heard from fans in Vancouver’s bedroom community. The Vancouver Canucks were one of the teams Schultz turned down last summer.
“We’ll see when game time comes,” he said. “If we had come here first, it would have been tougher, but we’ve played a lot of games, so I think it will be a little easier.
“It was a really tough decision to make. I was drafted here, but again, it was having an opportunity, which you don’t have many times in your career, to choose where you want to play.”
Defenceman Fistric draws into lineup
The Oilers didn’t run a full practice on Sunday, so there was no indication which way head coach Ralph Krueger was leaning with respect to his lineup, but he said defenceman Mark Fistric will play.
The hard-hitting veteran has been a healthy scratch for the last seven games.
Krueger was reluctant to make changes when the team was on a winning streak, but after two straight losses, it’s time to mix things up.
“We’re definitely considering changing our look,” Krueger said.