Schultz inks 4 year deal with Caps
DISCUSS IT IN SEA OF RED FORUM
The Washington Capitals have anted up to keep one of their most improved defenders in Washington for the next four years. The Caps have agreed to a 4 year contract extension worth $11 million with D Jeff Schultz.
Schultz led the NHL in plus/minus last season with a + 50 rating. He also added 3 goals and 20 assists in 73 games while skating alongside Mike Green. Shultz had been criticized in previous years for soft play and failing to utilize his big 6’6” frame to his advantage. However, last year Schultz took significant steps forward in using his body and overall playing more fundamentally sound defense.
Some will criticize Schultz for his lack of offensive production, but not all defensemen are scorers nor do you want all defensemen to be scorers. Schultzie was often paired with offensive defensemen Mike Green, which meant, since Green went more into the offensive zone, Schultz was charged with holding back.
Not a bad deal. The money is fine and the years are pretty good. Schultz is just 23 years old after being drafted by the Caps in 2004 as the 27thoverall pick. His young age means that Schultzie still has a ton of room to grow mature his defensive game
Schultz filed for salary arbitration a few days ago along with Eric Fehr and Tomas Fleischmann. This deal negates that. No further word on any imminent deals for Fehr or Flash.
