Who will win the Justin Schultz sweepstakes?

[MatsSundin13Rocks]

Just wondering who everyone thinks will end up with prized prospect Justin Schultz? Doesn't look like he will be signing with Anaheim so do you think it will be home province team the Vancouver Canucks? Or will it be the Toronto Maple Leafs where he will be re-united with Wisconsin Badgers teammate Jake Gardiner? (My dream and hope!) Will it be a young and talented Edmonton Oilers squad where he could put up big offensive #'s? Lots of other teams are interested as well such as Detroit, New York, Montreal, Calgary, etc



Please post what team you select and why you think so. I picked the Leafs because of the Gardiner connection and because of being hopeful for the best. It would be like adding a free 1st round prospect even though he was drafted in the 2nd round. I really think drafting players at 18 is a little too early to get a really accurate view of how the player will develop as at 19 and 20 some players really break out.

[Mphoenix]

Voted Leafs as well, probably because I'm biased on the subject On a more serious note, I think it will be either them, the Nucks or the Oilers depending on what Schultz is after (playing with Gardiner / playing close to home and short-term success / large role and good chance for long-term success). I'm hoping the friendship ties with Gardiner will be enough to lure Schultz to TO.

[30ranfordfan]

Heard lots of rumors that Edmonton is pushing hard for him, and he'd like to go. Similar to what you said - great young team that he's got a chance to really grow with, put up big numbers, and challenge for a championship soon.

[durangatang]

heard lots of rumors that edmonton is pushing hard for him, and he'd like to go. Similar to what you said - great young team that he's got a chance to really grow with, put up big numbers, and challenge for a championship soon.

+1

[Wickabee]

I put a vote in for Vancouver, but it's just hope. I reffed a lot of Justin's games and my uncle coached him a couple years when he was in Atom/PeeWee/Bantam and you couldn't find a nicer kid or family if you went to the ends of the earth. He had the mentality of a top end player when he was 12 and it seems that's only grown since then. He's gonna be a premier Dman in a few year, I guarantee it.

[tragically fish]

just playing Devil's advocate here, but why are the Leafs front runners for Schultz based on playing with Gardiner ? he was teammates (and I believe defense partners) with Brendan Smith of the Wings.

[flopfish]

I'd say Canucks based upon Gillis' record and some bias ;) He's signed a few a few collegiate players and they have so far been panning out.

[MatsSundin13Rocks]

I really hope Toronto can get him and he actually played with Gardiner as his D partner. Smith was on the team as well for a year with Schultz but not his regular partner from what articles I have read.

[Wickabee]

Vancouver - I know for a fact Justin grew up a Canucks fan and every member of his family I knew was as well, and everyone wants to play for their childhood favourite.

Edmonton - The Oilers have all the front end talent they could want. Getting the chance to join the team and building with them defensively while playing alongside Hall, Eberle, RNH, Yakupov(?) is pretty tempting, I think. Of course, I've been told by a couple exNHLers that no one wants to play for Edmonton.

Toronto - Burke drafted Justin. Nuff said.

[30ranfordfan]

Those are the same three teams I keep reading as the front runners too, and for the same reasons.... but add the fact that he and Gardiner are buddies to the Leafs pile of reasons.

I would suspect if a big USA markey like NYR or LAK came calling, that would put them right at the top of the list too..... same with Detroit, as they have a great track record for winning.

Not surprised about the comment on NHLers not wanting to play for Edmonton. They've got the worst weather of any NHL city (well, them and Winnipeg) but even worse, they're a losing team, and have been for most of the last 20 years. If their current core of players can turn the team into a winner, and real Cup contender - I have no doubt that they'll have a much easier time attracting FAs.

Vancouver - I know for a fact Justin grew up a Canucks fan and every member of his family I knew was as well, and everyone wants to play for their childhood favourite.

Edmonton - The Oilers have all the front end talent they could want. Getting the chance to join the team and building with them defensively while playing alongside Hall, Eberle, RNH, Yakupov(?) is pretty tempting, I think. Of course, I've been told by a couple exNHLers that no one wants to play for Edmonton.

Toronto - Burke drafted Justin. Nuff said.