New York Rangers Blueshirt Beat, 8/23/17: Ryan McDonagh, Kevin Shattenkirk Are the Talk of the NHL
MONTREAL, QC - APRIL 14: Ryan McDonagh #27 of the New York Rangers looks on against the Montreal Canadiens in Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre on April 14, 2017 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the New York Rangers 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

Today’s Blueshirt Beat focuses on the New York Rangers top defensemen, Ryan McDonagh and Kevin Shattenkirk.

The NHL Network had a good discussion tonight. The question: Which top defensive pairing would you rather have—Ryan McDonagh and Kevin Shattenkirk or the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Seth Jones and Zach Werenski?

I have to say it’s great to see McDonagh and Shattenkirk in this discussion. The Rangers blueline is much improved heading into this season, so I would expect to hear a lot of chatter about the Blueshirts this year—especially on the blueline. Obviously, the Rangers are the better pair in this conversation.

No Word on Alex Kerfoot

Monday, it was reported that Alex Kerfoot would make a decision of where he wanted to sign by Tuesday. But so far, no decision has been announced. TSN’s Darren Dreger, however, reported that Kerfoot has narrowed his choices down to five teams.

Besides the Rangers, Kerfoot is believed to be considering the Vancouver Canucks, San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche and New York Islanders. With training camps quickly approaching, a decision should come soon.

Rangers Community Mourns A Loss

The New York Rangers lost a member of its family late last week as Dave Creighton passed away.

A left-handed center, Creighton played for the Rangers from 1955-1958, recording 142 points (55 goals, 87 assists) over 210 games. Everyone at ESNY extends their condolences to his family, friends and former teammates.

A graduate of St. John's University class of '91. I have been a fan of the New York Rangers since the days of Peter Puck. Founder of Ranger Proud, the Facebook page that covers all news, notes, pre /post-game stats, and player quotes. I can be reached at Nyrfc12@gmail.com