3 Potential Free-Agent Destinations for Justin Schultz

The 2024-25 NHL season is around the corner and look for a number of veterans to start agreeing to professional tryouts with invites to training camps. We've seen the likes of Tyler Johnson, Steven Lorentz and Tyson Barrie recently land a PTO and right-handed blueliner Justin Schultz could be next.

Last season with the Seattle Kraken, Schultz appeared in 70 games, recording 26 points. Here's where he could wind up once training camps open:

Edmonton Oilers

There's been a lot of speculation that Schultz is going to join his old team in Edmonton for a PTO, however nothing has been made official just yet. Barrie was also in the mix and now that he's landed in Calgary, perhaps some news drops sooner than later. Schultz spent parts of four seasons with the Oilers and could really help out their depth as they've had quite the summer of change on their back end.

Detroit Red Wings

The Red Wings have missed a couple of times on defenseman, including signing free-agent Justin Holl to a multi-year deal and moving on from Filip Hronek. Schultz could step in on the second power play and give them an option for the right side of their bottom pair. Steve Yzerman is likely trying to hammer out new contracts for Lucas Raymond and Mo Seider as we speak, and anything PTO related may have to wait.

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Leafs aren't necessarily very deep among their 6/7/8 spots, so Schultz could be a camp invite and try to win a job ahead of Conor Timmins and Topi Niemela. Schultz can move the puck and his offensive instincts could mesh well with a very talented group in Toronto. 81 games of Stanley Cup Playoff experience under his belt doesn't hurt either making Schultz an attractive depth option.