After months of speculation, a week of pitches and meetings, and a breathless afternoon, in which, Schultz and his agents called teams who’d been on his shortlist one by one to let them know he wouldn’t be signing with them – Justin Schultz has decided to sign with Edmonton, rather than the Canucks, reportedly his favorite team growing up.

It’s not a big surprise, the Canucks are deep on the blue-line and were likely unwilling to guarantee him either ice-time or a roster spot. Schultz’s signing would’ve been a coup and a game-changer for Vancouver’s prospect pool. As Corey Pronman explains:

Oh well, at least the Canucks still have Chris Tanev – who is definitely NHL-ready, and is a possession demon!