Report: Touted Ducks draft pick D Justin Schultz to become unrestricted free agent

You may not know his name now, but TSN’s Bob McKenzie says you will soon. Defenseman Justin Schultz, the 43rd pick in the 2008 NHL draft by the Anaheim Ducks, reportedly has left Wisconsin, where he just completed his junior season, and is expected to become an unrestricted free agent.

Ducks have 30-day exclusive window to sign him but writing is on wall: Schultz going to UFA. 30-day window expires just prior to NHL draft.—
Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) May 25, 2012

Why all the fuss? Schultz was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, college hockey’s Heisman Trophy, each of the last two seasons, when he was the nation’s top-scoring blue-liner. He is 6’2″, 185 pounds and turns 22 in July. According to McKenzie:

Next to Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, Schultz may be most sought after UFA this summer. Blue chip, Top 4 offensive defenceman prospect.—
Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) May 25, 2012

McKenzie suggests that the Ducks will try to trade Schultz’s rights to a team with which he is willing to sign, but that would require his cooperation.