Training camps across the NHL are beginning today, and multiple quality NHL defenceman are still on the outside looking in, including former Oiler Justin Schultz. Many of these defenceman aren’t at training camps, but have received offers and are in talks with other teams.
Frank Seravalli reports that Justin Schultz is the top free agent left with several contract offers, and Mark Giordano has received interest from several teams. On the other hand, it seems Tony DeAngelo and Kevin Shattenkirk aren’t receiving many offers.
Justin Schultz, Kevin Shattenkirk, and Mark Giordano were linked to the Edmonton Oilers for a tryout contract, but the team ultimately offered the spot to Travis Dermott instead. This decision suggests the Oilers are focusing on giving younger players a chance, a trend that may be affecting veteran defensemen league-wide.
Some notable UFA defensemen not in training camps today:
-Justin Schultz: Received multiple firm offers, patient to find right fit as perhaps top unsigned defenseman.
-Tony DeAngelo: Baffling that a proven 40 to 50-point right-shot defenseman is unsigned as a 28-year-old. On due…— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 18, 2024
Schultz started his NHL career with the Oilers in the 2012-13 season, showing potential as a puck-moving defenseman, though he played on a struggling team at the time. He was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016, where he won two Stanley Cups. However, his recent season with the Seattle Kraken was challenging, ending with a dismal minus 23 rating.
While it’s not definitively the end for Tony DeAngelo and Kevin Shattenkirk, their prospects are looking grim. With training camps underway, securing a contract will be much tougher. Teams might still consider late additions due to preseason injuries, but overall, it appears that these experienced NHL defensemen may be nearing the end of their careers.
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