Summer could see Shattenkirk on market
The past year of Kevin Shattenkirk’s career has been building to this: the off-season, and with it, unrestricted free agency. His last season with the St. Louis Blues was rife with trade speculation that culminated in him being dealt to the Capitals on Feb. 27.
But now that the Capitals have bowed out after a second-round loss to playoff nemesis Pittsburgh Penguins, there’s a countdown until July 1, when Shattenkirk is expected to be the most coveted defenceman in this free agency cycle.
Shattenkirk told reporters Friday he intended to talk with general manager Brian MacLellan about whether he could fit into Washington’s plans. But considering the salary cap constraints the team will face with six restricted free agents and five unrestricted ones, it seems unlikely the two sides could come to terms. Shattenkirk could also fetch a better deal if he waits until July 1, when teams are competing for his services.
TSN’s Bob McKenzie reported that St. Louis initially tried to deal Shattenkirk to the Tampa Bay Lightning, but it would’ve required Shattenkirk signing a seven-year, $42 million contract first, and he declined. With 13 goals and 43 assists, he finished with the fourth-most points among NHL defencemen.
“It’s been a crazy year and it seems like every sort of scenario has popped up,” Shattenkirk said. “I’d like to see what’s going on here. I know there’s a lot to do here and a lot for (MacLellan) that he has on his plate, but I really enjoyed my time here. And again, at the same time, free agency is in front of me. It’s a great opportunity for me. It’s one that you don’t get many chances at as a player. I have to weigh out all my options. Until I get a little bit more of an idea of what’s ahead of me here in Washington and talk with him, then we’ll start to figure out what’s going on.”
There’s also the matter of role that might not make Washington a good fit for him and could narrow the search. Shattenkirk said he wants top-pairing responsibility and the opportunity to play in all situations, and that was a challenge he didn’t think he could get in St. Louis. With the Capitals, he was on a third pairing, behind rightshot blue-liners Matt Niskanen and John Carlson in the evenstrength pecking order. While he was on Washington’s top power play unit, he didn’t kill penalties.
Niskanen and Carlson are both under contract for next season, so unless a trade is made to clear a path for Shattenkirk to have an elevated role, the Capitals probably can’t offer him the responsibility he desires.
With Shattenkirk being a New York native, some possible destinations suggested for him have been the New York Rangers or the New Jersey Devils with both teams needing help in the top-four of their defence.
One place almost certain to have that opportunity for Shattenkirk and a desirable amount of money available is the new Vegas Golden Knights franchise. Before the expansion draft in June, there will be a 48-hour window for Golden Knights management to meet with pending unrestricted and restricted free agents left exposed for the draft, and Shattenkirk will likely be in that group.