Justin Schultz was the big name free agent last season, and it worked out OK for the Oilers so far. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Last season it was Justin Schultz (above) who selected Edmonton as his destination of choice.  Although Schultz was drafted by the Ducks, he failed to reach a deal with Anaheim and became an unrestricted free agent after his final college season.  This year’s top prize appears to be Western Michigan junior Danny DeKeyser.  The Michigan native who spent some time in the BCHL and USHL before going to the NCAA is 6’3″, 180 lbs and put up almost 40 points in 3 seasons in the NCAA.

DeKeyser is a talented defenseman who many consider ready for the NHL right now.  He is 23, so he has to be considered a late bloomer, which explains why he wasn’t drafted.

Like Schultz last year, DeKeyser is represented by Newport SportsManagement, the same group that represents Schultz.  As a result, this week the defenseman will be holding court much the same way Schultz did last year.

So what are Ottawa’s chances to land the coveted free agent?  They are not considered the front-runners, but Bryan Murray has had some success in wooing NCAA free agents (Jesse Winchester, Bobby Butler, Stephane Da Costa) and they were the runners-up in the bidding for Schultz.  No doubt Murray and Co. will be in the mix, but

Some think top contenders for DeKeyser are DET, STL, ANA and EDM but multiple teams have high interest. PHI and OTT will be pushing hard too

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) March 24, 2013

So there is hope for the Senators yet, although the smart money is on the Red Wings, as he is a Michigan native.  While these types of signings are always a crap shoot, the Schultz one worked out OK for the Oilers, and the Leafs can’t complain about what Tyler Bozak has become, although that one took some more time to come to fruition.

The presentations and courting will apparently take place this Tuesday and Wednesday in Toronto.

 St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Vladimir Tarasenko, STL – Got off to a very quick start, with 5 points in his first 2 games.  He has points in 7 of St. Louis’ 9 games this season and is a +5, playing just under 15 minutes per game.

Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Cory Conacher (89) t. Mandatory Credit: Douglas Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Cory Conacher, TBL – Part of the Lightning quick strike offense (pun intended) the 2012 AHL MVP has multiple points in 5 games so far this season.  He has been held off the score sheet 3 times in 9 games.  He also has 2 game winners for the Lightning

Edmonton Oilers right wing Nail Yakupov (64) . Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Nail Yakupov, EDM – Has recorded a point in his last 6 games, Yakupov could be the most consistent rookie.  Made more headlines for goal celebrations than his play on the ice, but is a dangerous sniper who gets prime opportunities in Edmonton.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Justin Schultz (19) Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Schultz, EDM – Leads all rookies with over 23 minutes of ice time per game.  Leads all rookie defensemen in scoring with 3 goals and 3 assists, and is a +1.

Montreal Canadiens center Alex Galchenyuk (27) Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Galchenyuk, MTL – Consistency might be the only thing holding him back, as he has points in only 4 of his 9 games.  Has 3 games where he recorded 2 assists.

Those are the top 5 rookies of the season so far.  There is still a ton of time left, and I will check in later on to see if there are any changes.  Players that will have something to say about it before the end of the season might be Jonathan Huberdeau, Dougie Hamilton, Simon Despres and a pair of Senators, Jakob Silfverberg and Mika Zibanejad.