NHL Free Agency: A few defensemen have been signed recently, but a few still remain, with Kevin Shattenkirk being the hottest player on the market the puck moving defensemen may be landing in his third new team in two years.
NHL Free Agency: Another lovely time of the year is among us, July 1st, where UFA's roam the free agency market and teams begin to engage in contract talks. For some, it only means a contract extension with their current team, but for others, it can mean a new city, team, teammates, coaching staff, gear, trainers, neighbors, etc. This is the time of the year where teams are trying to fill their roster with that one key piece and often look to the UFA's on the market to get the job done.
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Kevin Shattenkirk, After being sent to Washington to bolster their defense and give the Capitals a shot at the Stanley Cup. Shattenkirk did not thrive as many thought he would. With his UFA status, Shattenkirk becomes highly sought out defensemen for many teams. A couple of teams like the Tampa Bay Lightning and New Jersey Devils have expressed the most interest in him, another likely option is the New York Rangers.
Michael Del Zotto, The 28-year-old defenseman has bounced around quite a bit the last couple years. Being a qualifying UFA the Flyers may opt out to re-sign Flyers with their abundance of young defensemen in the AHL.
Andrei Markov, the 38-year-old defenseman who has spent the last 16 seasons, complying 990 career games the UFA reportedly asked for 2 years at 6 mil AAV. Is that too big price for 38-year-old defensemen ??
Johnny Oduya, It seems as if Oduya's time in Chicago may be up, due to his age and relatively mediocre play over the past couple years it may be tough for the veteran defensemen to find a home. Given his age look for Oduya to go to a team looking for some depth and playoff experience.
