Oilers' Schultz: 'I do want to win the Norris Trophy one day ... but it’s early'

After signing Justin Schultz to a one-year deal worth $3.675 million on Friday, general manager Craig MacTavish pumped the 24-year-old's tires in a big way, saying he, "has Norris Trophy potential."

Schultz appeared flattered by the praise, but was quick to tap the brakes on talk of being named the NHL's best defenseman anytime soon.

“I like that he (MacTavish) thinks so highly of me, and I do want to win the Norris Trophy one day ... but it’s early, and I still have a lot to prove,” Schultz says to the Edmonton Journal.

MacTavish's comment was curious in light of the fact the two sides couldn't agree to a long-term contract; the GM added, "We wanted a bit more information on Justin." Still that didn't stop MacTavish from continuing to sing Schultz's praises, raising hopes and expectations in the process.

Justin gave us one of the best moments for our franchise in the last number of years when he chose us (free-agent) and it highlighted the potential of our group and Justin being a key part of our core group. We all agree on the untapped, incredible potential of this player. When he went to the American Hockey League during the lockout season and led the defence in scoring in his first year ... that doesn’t happen to average or good players. Those things happen to great players. I feel Justin will be a great Oiler.

Schultz's situation is a bit of a double-edged sword; while his numbers don't suggest he's close to being an elite-level player at his position, the fact the Oilers as a whole continue to underachieve casts shade on his game.

The potential is there on both fronts; now it's a matter of actualization.