[VERVE]

The problem of Justin Schultz is not entirely Justin Schultz's fault. After years of futile results, the Oilers organization were filled with desperate men doing desperate things. Starting with the fall of Ryan Whitney's play due to recurring injuries, the likes of Petry and later Schultz were placed into roles of top pairing dmen when clearly they were not ready. Now the Oilers through their inability to make the bold moves to attain some veteran dmen to shelter the young and inexperienced Petry and Schultz, the Oilers fast tracked these guys while hoping everything will stick on the wall during their growth and development. Young dmen especially under 25 who are not elite enough will find it challenging to succeed while playing big minutes if not mentored/sheltered by veteran top dmen.