Matt Niskanen to Edmonton Oilers

Matt Niskanen of the Pittsburgh Penguins is the top UFA defenseman available for 2014 NHL Free Agency. With Kris Letang and Paul Martin injured for most of last season, the Penguins relied heavily on Niskanen to stabilize their D corps. Niskanen was a rock defensively and had a career year offensively with 10 goals and 46 points in 81 games.

The Penguins cannot afford to sign Niskanen and forward Jussi Jokinen, who both had excellent seasons. GM Jim Rutherford said, "I've talked with them. I think both players would like to return. But they're also coming off good years. It's time for them to hit free agency and get their big contracts."

The 27 year old Niskanen is coming off a two year annual cap hit contract of $2.3 million. He is looking for at least a $5 million annual cap hit contract with a term of 5 years. The Edmonton Oilers are attempting to sign Matt Niskanen.