The Edmonton Oilers have traded defenseman Justin Schultz to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a third-round draft pick in 2016.

The deal closes a chapter on endless speculation regarding Schultz, who was a healthy scratch Thursday for "protection reasons."

"We were trying to add some depth to our defense and we were very pleased to add him," Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford said.

The 25-year-old moves on from the Oilers after joining them during the 2012-13 season as a free agent out of the University of Wisconsin.

After an impressive rookie season where he notched eight goals and 27 points, Schultz has seen his offensive production drop while criticism about his defensive play grew.

Schultz concludes his time with the Oilers with 28 goals and 101 points in 248 games.

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