GM Jim Rutherford may consider an in-season contract extension for Schultz, who is currently playing on a one-year, $1.4 million deal, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports. "I am very pleased with his play, obviously," Rutherford said. "I haven't gotten to the point of thinking about a contract just yet, but I'm not saying we wouldn't do that."

EDGE Analysis

The defender, who could become a restricted free agent following 2016-17, has scored five goals and added seven assists in the last eight games. Schultz and Ian Cole have partnered to form one of the league's top third defensive pairings. With Kris Letang (lower body) sidelined for at least two weeks, Schultz figures to play on the top power-play unit and see an increase in his playing time. How he responds to that added responsibility could influence how hard the Pens pursue a contract extension.