Going to skip today's review of RFA's, and give you guys some desperately needed Justin Schultz news!
Bob Murray, currently being held in Azkaban Prison (I think - that's the only way I can explain his lack of contact), spoke through at Death Eater to give an update on the Ducks prized prospect. You can read EEric Stephens complete article, but I'll give you the highlights:
-- Ducks personnel have kept in contact with Schultz for the past couple of years. This allowed the organization to get to know him better and vice-versa.
-- Naturally the Ducks are really excited to have him join the franchise when he's ready to go pro. They support Schultz's decision to finish out his junior year and senior year if he so decides. Something interesting I didn't know, if Schultz goes pro after this school year, the Ducks have policies in place to assist him in finishing his degree.
-- I think this next part is huge: Scott Niedermayer went to visit Justin at school. Todd Marchant went as well, but I have to believe that Scotty had the biggest impact. C'mon! It's Scott freaking Niedermayer!
-- Finally, everyone and their moms want Schultz. Those salivating the most over the prospect are Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, and the New York Rangers. Toronto has Schultz's former defensive partner (and former Ducks prospect) Jake Gardiner, and the Rangers have former teammates Derek Stepan and Ryan McDonagh.
Remember, as a part of NCAA rules, until he officially announces that he's going pro, he can't retain the services of a player-agent. Who he picks will have an impact on his decision. From what I've read, Schultz seems to be a really level headed kid. How he handles this process will have a lasting impact on he is perceived, character-wise, throughout his career.