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NHL Free Agency: Justin Schultz signs one-year deal with Pittsburgh Penguins

By Dave Stevenson

Jun 1, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Justin Schultz (4) controls the puck against San Jose Sharks left wing Matt Nieto (83) in the first period of game two of the 2016 Stanley Cup Final at Consol Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 1, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Justin Schultz (4) controls the puck against San Jose Sharks left wing Matt Nieto (83) in the first period of game two of the 2016 Stanley Cup Final at Consol Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Unrestricted free agent defenseman Justin Schultz will be returning to the Pittsburgh Penguins on a one-year deal after not being given a qualifying offer.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have been largely quiet in free agency after winning the Stanley Cup. That has largely been due to a lack of cap space, even after factoring in the retirement of Pascal Dupuis. After not giving restricted free agent Justin Schultz a qualifying offer, the Penguins have agreed to a one-year deal with him. The deal will be worth $1.4 million.

From NHL.com:

"Schultz, 26, was a key member of Pittsburgh’s defensive core during its 2016 Stanley Cup championship run, contributing four assists and a plus-1 in 15 playoff appearances. He helped set up Brian Dumoulin’s opening goal in the Penguins’ Cup-clinching victory in Game 6."

Signing Schultz for that cheap is a nice signing by the Penguins. It provides their blue line with depth, something that they need considering the injury histories of both Kris Letang and Olli Maatta and the inexperience of Brian Dumoulin and Derrick Pouliot. Schultz was a solid fit in Pittsburgh after being traded from the Edmonton Oilers. His puck movement is something that the Penguins have built their blue line around.

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Schultz averaged under 15 minutes a game for the Penguins last season, but he is an excellent fit with the Penguins. He even did well with regular time after the injury to Trevor Daley during the playoffs. Should Dumoulin or Pouliot not be ready to handle a regular role to start next season, Schultz is more than capable of doing so.

For more NHL Free Agency coverage, check out our NHL hub page.

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