Justin Schultz is an Oiler.

The West Kelwona, B.C. native and highly touted defenseman is foregoing his senior year at UW to start his NHL career with the Edmonton Oilers.

Ever since Wisconsin’s playoff run ended on March 11 in Denver, Schultz’s return was called into question. At the time, the Anaheim Ducks owned his NHL rights. Due to a rule in the CBA, four years after being drafting – second round in 2008 – Schultz was able to enter free agency.

As of June 25, the 6-foot-2, 185 pound defenseman officially became an unrestricted free agent and was therefore able to speak with any interested parties. Over the course of the week, a short list was quickly reported, comprised of Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto, Minnesota, New York and Ottawa.

Rumors flew around all week, one of which confirming Schultz had been contacted by Wayne Gretzky, Paul Coffey and Taylor Hall whether by phone or in person in an attempt to persuade him to choose Edmonton, which seemed to work.

Last season Schultz was the highest scoring defenseman in the NCAA with 44 points in 37 games. Schultz scored 16 goals with 28 assists en route to his second All-American season, also earning WCHA defenseman of the year honors and he was a finalist for the Hobey Baker for the second year in a row as well.