Top 3 Defenseman still Free Agents in the Market -NHL Special
Surprisingly, a number of top level defenseman are still available in the market and could be there until the National Hockey League (NHL) and Players’ Association work out a new collective bargaining agreement and continue the regular season.
Here is a look at the top 3 defenseman still yet to be signed by their respective clubs to a new deal.
P.K. Subban (Montreal Canadiens)
P.K. Subban is a restricted free agent and became one after his three-year, entry-level deal expired on July 1st, 2012, after the Montreal Canadiens paid off the $2.625 million amount they owed him, but it is still in question when they will be
bringing him back on board or whether the defender has other plans.
Subban is a 43rd overall draft pick of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by the Montreal Canadiens and has emerged as one of the best in the league without a doubt.
His first season was not as great as he expected as Montreal played him in just two games while the remaining were spent with their affiliates in the American Hockey League (AHL), the Hamilton Bulldogs.
In a total of 160 games played, Subban has a spectacular 76 point record, consisting of 21 goals, 55 assists under his belt.
There is no confirmation whether Montreal will re-sign him once a new labour deal is in play, but it is highly unlikely that they will choose to trade him off.
Jaroslav Spacek (Carolina Hurricanes)
At the age of 38, Jaroslav Spacek has a lot of potential in him to continue being a major contributing defender for the Carolina Hurricanes. He has been consistent these past few seasons and is seen as a dedicated player in his position.
Spacek’s previous contract, a three-year, $11.5 million deal came to an end earlier this year in July and has made him an unrestricted free agent.
Michael Del Zotto (New York Rangers)
Not seeing Michael Del Zotto secured on the New York Rangers line-up is definitely something that fans could not have expected. The 22-year-old definitely has much potential, something he showed after potting 41 points (10 goals, 31 assists) in 77 games
played last season, along with an even better plus-minus rating of plus-20.
The Canadian defender has an amazing ability to boost the team morale in time of need and after his three-year, entry-level $2.625 million deal came to an end, many were expecting New York to re-sign him almost immediately.
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