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Kevin Shattenkirk Off the Trade Market...At Least For the Time Being

August 5, 2016, 9:51 AM ET [91 Comments]
Jan Levine
New York Rangers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Kevin Shattenkirk to the Rangers rumors - or on some eyes, wishful thinking - get to move from full boil to mild simmer. St Louis' GM Doug Armstrong told ESPN’s Craig Custance that he expects Shattenkirk to be with the team at training camp and beyond. Of course as we all know that won't stop the pining by many for Shattenkirk to return home, but that long awaited homecoming will have to wait for a bit.

Here is the exchange between Custance and Armstrong regarding the Shattenkirk rumors:

“That sort of grew a life of its own at the draft,” Armstrong said. “He’s a Blue and we’re excited to have him and expect him to have a good year.”

A good year in St. Louis?

“Yeah,” Armstrong said, smiling. “Of course.”


What this does is slow but not fully stop the rumors. In addition, it means that if New York truly wants to get a first pair, RH defenseman, they will need to look elsewhere or up their offer for Shattenkirk. Plus, for now, Rick Nash may be safe in New York or at least until that aforementioned first pair RH d-man becomes available. Despite adding Nick Holden as depth, the Rangers could look into bringing on board via a PTO someone like James Wisniewski or Barret Jackman or possibly giving Ryan Graves a real look see in camp.

If St. Louis gets off to a lousy start, though I don't think this will be the case, then the trade Shattenkirk rumors and calls will start anew and/or get louder. Even if they are hot, the Blues and Armstrong will have to make a decision the Rangers have had to make a lot lately. Do you hold onto an RFA with the hopes of making the Cup Finals knowing he likely will walk or do you deal him before the trade deadline - Feb. 28 this year - for a huge return. I think we all hope Shattenkirk signs with NY as an RFA, though salary maneuvering may need to occur before that happens. So for the Rangers, it's a game of chicken to see who blinks first and what the Blues might want for him, despite Armstrong's public remarks.
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