It’s been a tumultuous couple years for Kevin Shattenkirk since that sterling 2016-17 campaign.
After starting that career-best campaign with a dominant 42 points through 61 games for St. Louis, Shattenkirk went on a whirlwind trip that saw him traded to the contending Washington Capitals, signed by his hometown New York Rangers, enduring two underwhelming seasons with the club, and eventually bought out.
The 30-year-old signed on with the Tampa Bay Lightning via a one-year, $1.75-million deal Monday, speaking to reporters soon after to reflect on his disappointing exit from New York.
“I was pretty pissed off about it,” Shattenkirk said of the Rangers’ decision to buy out his contract, according to The Associated Press‘ Stephen Whyno.
“I think I have a huge chip on my shoulder right now. It didn’t work out with injuries and performance and with the way the direction of the team, the way that kind of deteriorated from when I signed on July 1 to now.”
Lightning GM Julien BriseBois on Kevin Shattenkirk: "He brings experience. … He's played in a lot of games. He's a young veteran that's played in a lot of meaningful games."
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) August 5, 2019
The New Rochelle, N.Y. native said he doesn’t regret signing with the Rangers, but called his tenure in New York “not a success story.”
Shattenkirk: "I think I’m pissed off at myself for not taking advantage of the opportunity to play at home better and give them a reason to make it a no-brainer that this wouldn’t be their decision."
Adds he's no fan of Rangers going into rebuild.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) August 5, 2019
He now joins a well-stocked Lightning club whose blue line also includes Norris Trophy winner Victor Hedman and former Ranger Ryan McDonagh.
Shattenkirk had offers from six or seven teams in total, according to Whyno — reportedly including the Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets — but opted to sign with the Bolts.
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