Former New York Rangers defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk signs a one-year contract with conference rival Tampa Bay lightning.
It what seems like a regular occurrence, another former New York Ranger has moved on to Tampa Bay, Florida.
Kevin Shattenkirk got over his contract buyout pretty fast as the former Blueshirt signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday.
Welcome to Tampa, @shattdeuces!
We have signed Kevin Shattenkirk to a one-year contract worth $1.75 million. ⚡️
?: https://t.co/3aKgLoA4PB pic.twitter.com/XySCo4EN6J
— x – Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) August 5, 2019
Shattenkirk just completed his buyout transaction with the Rangers last week. The deal terminated his last two years of his contract with New York and automatically made him an unrestricted free agent.
The New Rochelle native’s return home didn’t go as planned. In 73 games with the Rangers last season, Shattenkirk only managed to score two goals and tally 26 assists.
That came after he accrued 23 points with the Rangers in 46 games during the 2017-18 season. The former All-Star failed to play like one during his two seasons in New York.
Shattenkirk could possibly fill the void that is now open when another former Ranger’s contract ended at the conclusion of last season. Defenseman Dan Girardi was signed by the Lightning following his buyout by New York at the end of the 2017-18 season.
Girardi is currently an unrestricted free agent.
Shattenkirk will now play with Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov and could possibly be paired with defenseman Victor Hedman.
Tampa Bay suffered a crushing playoff loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round of the playoffs this year, but are favorites again to make a strong run for the Stanley Cup in 2019-20. Whether or not Shattenkirk can regain his All-Star form remains to be seen.
