Edmonton Oilers: NCAA Transition is Justin Schultz’s Problem
The Edmonton Oilers are realizing that their time with Justin Schultz may soon be over. The defenseman is struggling. He makes constant mistakes, struggles deeply on the backend and cannot bring himself to generate offense in the NHL (despite last night’s goal).
In a recent Sportsnet piece, Mark Spector explains how Edmonton is done trying to find this Norris potential in Schultz. They gave him a one-year extension for $3.9 million back in July, and since then, he hasn’t gotten any better.
The front office is watching him. Todd McLellan is watching him. His teammates are watching. And what we are seeing from him ins not impressive.
Schultz is a former Wisconsin Badger, formerly part of the WCHA and now a member of the Big Ten Conference. Schultz’s time with the Badgers was notable; he was by far one of the best defenders in the game. He knew how to play the puck and score, and was one of the best players the team had in a while.
He was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in 2012, but then became an unrestricted free agent. And which team was the one to pick him up? Only the Oilers, under the advising of Edmonton GM Craig MacTavish.
When asked about the signing, he said that he has “Norris Trophy potential,” and that not too many are going to refute that claim. Well, we’re refuting now.
This last chance from the Oilers organization is running out quickly. McLellan has noted that the problem he is seeing from Justin Schultz is the fact that he is not confident when he comes to the rink.
“You’ve got to show up at the rink and be confident. You’ve got to believe you can do it. You’ve got to exude a presence, then you’ve got to go get it. He’s got to bring that to the table.” -Todd McLellan on Justin Schultz
Taylor Hall even commented, saying that everyone has their fair share of slumps, but that confidence is what breaks you through. That is what has helped him become the league’s fourth-highest scorer this year.
However, for Schultz, this isn’t just a dip in stats. This has been a constant underperformance. With someone like Schultz, who produced well in college, the problem is simple. He cannot transition properly from the NCAA to professional hockey.
It is hard on everyone in different ways. The NCAA is a completely different league, and for Schultz, he WAS playing in the WCHA, as opposed to Big Ten hockey. In college, it is a bit easier to score goals. You’re young, fast and not playing against goalies who have protected the crease for years or have been in Olympic games. But when you get to the NHL, it’s a whole different world.
There are players like Alex Ovechkin flying at you. There are veterans and young guns who come from the OHL, WHL and even the KHL. Or even from leagues in Russia or from the AHL, there are always players from different places.
This is the reason that Schultz is struggling with confidence. He used to be the top of the food chain when he was playing college hockey. Score a goal? No problem, it’s against other kids in his division. Stop a 2-on-1. Sure, he knows the college plays.
But the NHL is a different world, one that’s bigger, faster and stronger. It’s not a league for college kids. There are leagues like the OHL and WHL that are for professional players and develop them, readying them for NHL hockey. The NCAA doesn’t do that.
In regards to Schultz, he explained how producing points is what he was doing in juniors and college. He said he will “try” and “hopes” he can transition. Those aren’t words you hear from someone who is confident. That is from someone who is unsure.
Schultz cannot keep the pace, and he was named a Norris-worthy defender before he even hit the NHL ice. He was overrated immediately, thanks to Mac-T, and now, the Oilers have been stuck with Schultz, who has had no confidence and has bene unable to break that wall between the NCAA and the NHL.
Next: Edmonton Oilers 2015-16 Report Card Player by Player
The Oilers cannot trade him; he does not have too much value, but if they are able to package him onto a deal, he could very well be on his way out. Or, the team could waive him sooner rather than later. Nevertheless, I agree with Sportsnet; his time is done. Maybe time in the minors could do him some good.