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.

Schultz scored a goal and added two assists during Wednesday's overtime win against Boston.

EDGE Analysis

The multi-point showing was Schultz's fourth in his past eight games, and the 26-year-old defenseman has five goals, 12 points and 16 shots on net during the span while averaging just 17:08 of ice per night. At this point, Schultz is worth a look in the majority of seasonal leagues, but no one should expect him to maintain his current offensive explosion for a prolonged period of time.

Schultz extended his point streak to five games with two assists against the Panthers on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

He has three goals and five assists over his hot stretch. Schultz entered Thursday with a 55.7 Corsi For and finished with a plus-2 rating against Florida. The defender features a plus-16 rating after compiling a minus-78 rating in four seasons with Edmonton.

Schultz scored a goal and added an assist with a plus-2 rating and three shots on net during Monday's win over Ottawa.

EDGE Analysis

With three goals and three assists during his current four-game point streak, Schultz is heating up. He has 11 points with a plus-13 rating and 47 shots on net through 26 games this season, which makes him a potential add in deeper leagues. While no one should expect his current offensive surge to continue, Schultz is well on his way to his best campaign since his rookie year in 2012-13.

Schultz earned two assists, a plus-3 rating and three hits during Thursday's 6-2 win against Dallas.

EDGE Analysis

After scoring his first goal of the season against the Islanders on Wednesday, Schultz followed it up with his first multi-point outing of the year. The 26-year-old doesn't reach the scoresheet often, and while he's been in the box score for two straight, the blueliner consistently suffers through dry spells. This is the first time in 2016-17 that Schultz has notched points back-to-back.

Schultz scored a third-period goal and registered three shots on net during Wednesday's loss to the Islanders.

EDGE Analysis

Schultz is a talented offensive defenseman, but he's typically deployed in a depth role. His usage limits his fantasy upside, as he entered Wednesday's game averaging just 16:55 of ice per night. However, he's a capable power-play quarterback, so in the event of a Kris Letang injury, Schultz's virtual stock would skyrocket. At worst, he's a player to monitor and a potential own in deep leagues,

Schultz tallied an assist and finished with a plus-2 rating against the Islanders on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

The defenseman skated on the Pens' top power-play unit but will be relegated to the second group once Kris Letang (upper body) returns. Even so, Schultz has showed he can play with the big boys and could land the prime spot when Letang misses time in the future.

Schultz played the point on Pittsburgh's top power-play unit and skated as part of second defensive pairing with Ian Cole during Monday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

Schultz's biggest attribute may be his willingness to shoot the puck -- he's attempted 29 shots in six games. While his role will decrease whenever Kris Letang (upper body) returns, he's playing better than some of his competition, such as Olli Maatta. He could provide a nice return for fantasy owners, but he'll have to see better results. Schultz has scored only one power-play assist.

Schultz's role could expand with Kris Letang (upper body) sidelined Thursday against the Sharks. "He has the ability to distribute the puck up top," coach Mike Sullivan said regarding Schultz's power-play skills. "He's got a real good shot, can get the puck through. He's not afraid to shoot it."

EDGE Analysis

Schultz is one of the few Penguins who has played better than expected to start the season. With Letang out, Trevor Daley, Schultz and Derrick Pouliot figure to be the defensemen most likely to benefit with increased opportunities. Schultz has scored three goals and six points in 14 career contests against San Jose.

Schultz notched a power-play assist while playing on the Pens' second unit Monday against Colorado.

EDGE Analysis

He won the team's sixth defenseman spot out of training camp over Derrick Pouliot and has done nothing to jeopardize his standing through three games. Schultz registered a career-high seven shots Saturday, an indication of the tantalizing fantasy potential he's shown in his career.