The Canucks are on that list. College players often hit a wall, especially later in the season. With his guarantees of a spot and playing time, no issues will be raised if he under-performs compared to expectations (which are now considerable)? A young player like Tanev, who’s paid his dues, would have to play behind him to satisfy his request for PT? Good luck to the dream signing him.

Who is to say that he might not be better served playing in the minors for a season or two just to acclimatize to the speed and strength of pro players, not to mention the much longer pro season? And yet teams are willing to overlook all of the areas Schultz will need to develop in order to guarantee him a roster spot and playing time?

If he is as good as advertised, perhaps he can make the jump, but I still think he would be better served with no guarantees on a roster spot or playing time. Make him earn them, like everyone else has to. That would also eliminate any locker-room problems that might result from a rookie making demands to an organization.

Anaheim certainly has talent, and room for a young star like Schultz, so I’m not sure why he wouldn’t want to sign with the team that drafted him unless he’s decided he’s going to play for the team closest to his hometown (it’s a 3 hour drive to Vancouver from West Kelowna) that also happens to be a serious contender for the Stanley Cup.

There is an argument to be made for Edmonton with their young talent where he’d likely be given top minutes. Toronto isn’t close to homeand hasn’t made the playoffs in 7 years, but there’s a small chance he’d really like to play with Gardiner (his former teammate) even though they’d be pretty soft. I don’t see the other teams being a factor as they can’t buy him with a big deal due to the ELC restrictions.

If that wasn’t the case, someone would overpay, but all they can do now is make a trade for his rights and try to get an early start on July 1.

In Toronto, he would probably play with Jake Gardiner and push Liles, Komisarek, and Franson down the depth chart. The selling point being playing with your former defensive teamate Gardiner.

In Edmonton he instantly becomes an important piece on a team stockpiled in offensive fowards, but thin on defencemen. Is he ready to be this team’s #1 or #2 defenseman?

In Vancouver, he occupies the Sami Salo position: right-handed shot alongside Alex Edler, first powerplay, top-four defenceman. A lot of instant responsibility in a hockey-mad market.

He fills positions in Detroit and Philadelphia, but not the superstar void left by Lidstrom and Pronger respectively. Don’t think either of them will sell him on being the next Lidstrom or Pronger just yet, but they (and everybody else) could use a young defenseman.

Every team could use a young defenceman, but he has not even played an NHL game. Does he help teams that want to win now? Edmonton seems like the logical choice for a young defenseman. Wherever he goes, it will generate a lot of interest.