The Washington Capitals have added to their defense, signing defenseman Justin Shutlz to a two-year, $8 million deal, the team announced. Schultz spent the past five seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins before spending four seasons with the Edmonton Oilers.
The price point may be a bit high, considering the 30-year old’s recent history with injuries. In 2018-19 he suffered a broken leg that kept him out four months and limited him to 29 game. Last season, he battled through various injuries, as he posted a minus-13 rating with three goals and nine assists in 46 games.
He had one assist and a minus-4 rating in four games during the Penguins’ qualifying loss Montreal in the playoffs this past season. Pittsburgh decided to move on from him after three disappointing seasons.
Fit over recent production appears to be what the Capitals are seeking. Washington must be banking on Schultz returning close to himself before the injuries where he was instrumental in the Penguins winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017.
Schultz can be a point-creator, and his ability to control the puck may be complimentary to Dmitry Orlov on the Capitals’ second defensive pairing. Schultz had a career 0.44 points per game average.
Washington has already re-signed defenseman Brenden Dillon, who is expected to slot on the top pairing next to John Carlson. The addition of Schultz along with Dillon will help the Capitals alleviate the loss of Michal Kempny, who will miss 6-8 months with a torn Achilles.
