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  • ABBOTSFORD, B.C. -- The Edmonton Oilers have long had difficulty wooing and retaining free agents, but Justin Schultz is proving to be a rare prized catch. The rookie defenceman is leading the American Hockey League in scoring with seven goals and nine assists in 12 games with Edmontons top farm team, the Oklahoma City Barons. Unlike many first-year pros he has enjoyed a smooth transition to the pro ranks from U.S. college hockey. "Justin seemed to just blend in right away," said Barons coach Todd Nelson. "Hes a very talented defenceman. Obviously, we know his offensive numbers are very strong. But one thing that goes overlooked is his defensive play. He has a lot of really good habits for a defenceman. "Right now, I feel that hes a pretty complete hockey player at this level. From his standpoint, he has to continue to improve so (that) when called upon to play in the (NHL) he can bring that type of game and intensity to the National Hockey League." Schultz, a 22-year-old Kelowna, B.C., nat great start," said Nugent-Hopkins. The success has come after Schultz did not garner much acclaim upon entering the junior ranks. With WHL clubs showing little interest, he toiled for his hometown Westside Warriors in the tier two B.C. Hockey League, where he produced 90 points in two full seasons and one more in a pair of games at the outset of his teenage hockey tenure. "I wasnt really a highly-touted guy or anything," said Schultz. "(Playing in the BCHL) was huge for me. I wasnt the biggest star and didnt have many teams coming after me. So to be able to play in that league and to go to college and get an education was unreal. I wouldnt trade it for anything." Now, it appears to be just a question of time before Schultz gets a chance to shine in the NHL. Enjoying the opportunity to work on his skills in the highly-competitive AHL, he says he cant wait for a chance to play against NHLers. If, as expected, the Oilers call him up after the lockout, his presence will provide some intrigue as to how soon Edmonton can find success again. Since reaching the 2005-06 Stanley Cup finals unexpectedly, the Oilers have missed the playoffs for six straight seasons. Schultzs arrival will give more hope to Edmonton fans who are anxious to see a team laden with young stars develop like the former Oilers juggernaut, which also built from a strong foundation of youth. But, when choosing teams with which to sign, Schultz was not swayed by the chance to wear the same colours that Wayne Gretzky, Jari Kurri, Mark Messier and Paul Coffey once did. "I was just focused on hockey," said Schultz. "I saw a great opportunity here -- and I wasnt worried about anything else." Wholesale NFL Jerseys Free Shipping . -- Jimmie Johnson thought somebody had traded paint with his motorhome. Wholesale NFL Jerseys . Santana is going to have an MRI on his back Tuesday, putting in jeopardy his scheduled start against the Colorado Rockies two days later. http://herownblog.com/wholesale-nike-nfl-jerseys/ . It was the 42nd-ranked Haases second career title in as many finals. The Dutchman took control of the match after an hour-long rain delay at 1-1 in the second set. Kohlschreiber, who is now 4-3 in career finals, will move into the top 20 for the first time when ATP rankings are updated Monday. Wholesale Nike NFL Jerseys . The Chinese star had 10 double faults in her quarterfinal bout, but converted five of her seven break points. Next up for Li will be sixth-seeded countrywoman Peng Shuai, who rallied for a 2-6, 7-5, 6-2 victory over German Annika Beck. Wholesale NFL Jerseys China . Attorneys for four players suspended in the bounty investigation have argued the punishment handed down by Goodell should be overturned, in part because the commissioners public statements last spring showed he had improperly pre-judged the players actions. The documents filed Friday include sworn declarations by sanctioned linebacker Scott Fujita and union chief DeMaurice Smith.TORONTO -- Colby Armstrong had two seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs hed just as soon forget. The veteran forward wont get a chance to make amends in the third one. The Leafs placed Armstrong on unconditional waivers Saturday with the intention of buying out the final year of his contract. It was a tough blow for the popular Armstrong, who posted a message on Twitter after being delivered the news: "Thanks to the leaf nation for the support over the last couple seasons. Although I had tough luck thanks for everything." The move will open up US$2 million in cap space for Toronto next season and will save the team $1 million in salary overall. Armstrong was scheduled to earn $3 million in the final year of his contract and will instead be paid $1 million by Toronto each of the next two seasons. This was not how Armstrong or the Leafs saw things playing out when he was signed as a free agent in 2010. Expected to bring leadership and grit to a young team, the 29-year-old Armstrong had trouble staying out of the trainers room. There was a broken nose, broken foot, tendon problem in a finger, concussion, badly sprained ankle and a spate of blurred vision and dizzinness.dddddddddddd All in just two star-crossed seasons. "I honestly dont even know what to say about them," Armstrong said of his injury troubles in December. "I tried to wrap my head around them while I was sitting out. The first couple weeks that I was down this time again, I was like, What the hecks going on? "But theres no real answer to it." During his two years with the Maple Leafs, Armstrong dressed for fewer games (79) than he sat out (85). He had just nine goals and 26 points over that span. Extremely popular with teammates and members of the media, Armstrong did his best to remain upbeat under trying circumstances. The Leafs alternate captain only began to show hints of frustration after returning to full health in the second half of last season and being made a scratch repeatedly by former coach Ron Wilson. Armstrong will become an unrestricted free agent after officially being bought out by the Leafs on Sunday, leaving him free to sign with any NHL team. Toronto is now paying two players who are no longer on its roster. The team owes Darcy Tucker $1 million each of the next two seasons as part of his buyout from 2008. ' ' '

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