Oklahoma City Barons: Rookie defenseman Justin Schultz leads Barons past San Antonio

Schultz scored his second and third goals of the American Hockey League season and added an assist in the Barons' 5-2 win over San Antonio on Friday night in front of a crowd of 6,323 at the Cox Convention Center.

Labeled as an elite offensive defenseman, Schultz recorded a plus-5 game, a Barons record, which means Schultz was on the ice for all OKC five goals and on the bench during the Rampage's two goals.

“He has a lot of talent,” said Nugent-Hopkins. “He's so dynamic, but he's also smart. In the defensive zone, he's good at taking them out and getting the pucks out quick. It's all really positive. We're happy to have him to say the least.”

Both Schultz goals were short-handed, including an empty-netter with 28 seconds left. His first goal, a wrist shot from the point, gave the Barons a 2-1 lead.

Schultz's assist was a pinpoint pass through traffic that set up Teemu Hartikainen's goal midway through the second period that gave OKC a 3-2 lead.

“It felt good out there,” Schultz said. “It's easy when you're playing a lot with Ebs and Nuge. They create so many chances. It was a fun game to play in.”

Schultz has shown since the day he arrived at training camp he's not only ready for the NHL but will be an instant starter for the Oilers. He's a potential future NHL All-Star.

He used a loophole to become a free agent last summer after his junior season at Wisconsin. Schultz, 22, signed with Edmonton in large part to play with Nugent-Hopkins and Eberle.

“He's started the season off really well,” Eberle said. “He has a great shot. Something he's underrated for is how well he's able to put the puck in the net.”