Reports: Top free agent Justin Schultz has narrowed list to five teams

Free agent defenseman Justin Schultz, a former Wisconsin Badger who exploited a loophole to gain his freedom from the team that drafted him, has reportedly narrowed the list of teams that he will consider down to five:

NYR are in on Justin Schultz. @DarrenDreger confirms TOR is in, @Real_ESPNLeBrun confirms OTT is in. That makes it VAN, EDM, NYR, TOR, OTT.—
Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 28, 2012

Schultz, an offensive defenseman, is considered by many scouts to be the best player in the world not yet in the NHL. Twenty-six of the 30 NHL teams reportedly expressed interest in his services, and many believe that his home-province Vancouver Canucks are the team to beat.

He’s expected to meet with representatives from his five finalists over the next few days, although he could sign on Sunday, the first day of free agency.

UPDATE: Bob McKenzie of TSN now reports that a sixth team could still be in the running. It was believed that Schultz would cut his list to five, but no one has ever confirmed such.

Strongly led to believe MIN, as in Wild, are in on shortlist for UFA dman Justin Schultz. That would make 6 teams we know of. Maybe more?—
Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 28, 2012