Shattenkirk banking on a robust market
But defenceman won’t rule out return to Capitals
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 Washington Capitals on Feb. 27. Shattenkirk’s preference was to then prolong any decisions about his next destination with a deep Stanley Cup run in D.C.
But with the Capitals eliminated in a second-round loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the countdown is on for July 1, when Shattenkirk is expected to be the off-season’s most coveted defenceman.
In his exit interview with reporters on Friday, Shattenkirk said he intended to talk with general manager Brian MacLellan about whether he could fit into Washington’s future plans. But with the Capitals trading for Shattenkirk as a rental player to help their postseason run, and considering the salary constraints the team will face with six restricted and five unrestricted free agents, it seems unlikely the two sides will find a mutually agreeable contract.
TSN’s Bob McKenzie reported that St. Louis initially tried to deal Shattenkirk to the Tampa Bay Lightning, but that would’ve required Shattenkirk signing a seven-year, US$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.”
There’s also the matter of role. Shattenkirk said he wants toppairing responsibility and the opportunity to play in all situations. With the Capitals, he was on a third pairing, behind right-shot blueliners Matt Niskanen and John Carlson in the even-strength pecking order. While he was on Washington’s top power play unit, he didn’t kill penalties.
“I have plans to hopefully assume a bigger role somewhere, and if it winds up working out here and we’re on the same page, this is a great city for me and I feel like I really enjoyed my time here, enjoyed the group of guys,” Shattenkirk said.
Possible destinations for Shattenkirk, a native of New Rochelle, N.Y., include the New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils. Both teams need help in the top four of their defence. Another possible fit is the new Vegas Golden Knights franchise. Before the expansion draft in June, there will be a 48hour 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.
“It’s a very interesting situation,” Shattenkirk said. “Usually you’re talking to teams or thinking of teams and you have some sort of idea of how they’re built or their history or whatever it may be, and they are completely fresh.”