Justin Schultz signing highlights depth for Pens

The Pittsburgh Penguins signed defenceman Justin Schultz to a one year, $1.4m contract yesterday in a surprising move that has been called excellent on most corners. Schultz was expected to sign elsewhere for a much longer term and higher price considering his performances during the Penguins cup winning run.

The Penguins signing of Schultz really highlights the depth that they have on defence with a number of signings made on Free Agency Frenzy day on the 1st July. A number of signings include players who had played in the NHL recently means that the talent pool is stacked deeply and also provides the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins with a competitive roster that should enable them to qualify yet again for the play-offs.

Justin Schultz was a superb depth player last season for the Penguins after being acquired from the Edmonton Oilers for just a third round pick. He performed exceptionally well and stood up when injuries required him to increase his ice time and take on more responsibilities, including at times the quarter-backing of the power play. Hopefully, we will see more of him this season and he will be able to build on his good run.