The top free agent on the market is now off the market. Kevin Shattenkirk, PHR’s #1 on our Top 50 Free Agents list and long considered the top prize of the 2017 off-season, has returned home to New York. The New Rochelle native has signed a four-year deal with an average annual value of $6.65MM to play for his hometown New York Rangers, according to TSN’s Frank Servalli.
The $26.6MM deal is far below what many were expecting for Shattenkirk. Most expected a six or seven-year deal worth somewhere in the total range of $40-$50MM. Instead, Shattenkirk appears to have taken a hometown discount, at least in term, to play for the Rangers. It had long been rumored that he was hoping to play on the east coast, and in New York particularly, and he got his wish.
The long-time St. Louis Blue is no stranger to changing teams, having been traded by the Colorado Avalanche in his rookie season and then again to the Washington Capitals this past year. No matter where, Shattenkirk has always performed. Consistently topping 40 points, including a career-best 56 in 2016-17, Shattenkirk is an elite puck-mover with an excellent first pass. Paired with a shutdown two-way presence like Rangers’ captain Ryan McDonagh, Shattenkirk can be a truly dynamic player in New York.
Woah. Isn’t a 4 year deal less than what was initially predicted for Shattenkirk? He’s still relatively young, no?
He is 28. Good signing.They didn’t go crazy money wise,and only a 4 year deal.Now lets see what they do to address center
Wow. Major blow to the Caps. I wonder if they’ll make a move to finally get Ovie past the 2nd round. Maybe a big trade?
it was expected he wasn’t staying in DC
Expected or not, doesn’t lessen the blow. Alzner also left and slammed the Caps as he signed with MTL! Horrible day for Caps so far.
No surprise here…good signing for the Rangers, without committing to one of those crazy 8+ year contracts.
Great signing by the Rangers. The price isn’t too much so it won’t hurt that much as long as his production doesn’t suddenly fall off and the term is solid. Would’ve expected at least 6 years for Shattenkirk but maybe he wanted to get one more chance at a decent payday in free agency.