New York Rangers: Holden On The Move?
Today, New York Rangers signed defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk to a 4 year deal. This move was a long time coming, it’s a major upgrade for the Rangers blueline, as well as the power play. With Ranger’s buying out recently signed Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Dan Girardi, and possibility of Kevin Klein retiring. They still have some extras on the blueline this upcoming season, so you may see a trade over the next few days.
Current Rangers Roster
Ryan McDonagh
Kevin Shattenkirk
Brady Skjei
Branden Smith
Anthony DeAngelo
Marc Staal
Nick Holden
Steve Kampfer
Kevin Klein (Larry Brooks reported his retirement announcement is any day now)
This shows Rangers have a over abundance of blueliners on the roster. I have to imagine with the way Gorton was so high on Anthony DeAngelo he will want to give him a shot, next season. There are currently 9 players on D, who will be the odd man out? It could be Nick Holden, there was chatter earlier in the week, that if NYR acquired Shattenkirk, that Holden may be moved. Well with the Shattenkirk signing and 9 players on the roster, they will have to do something to shred a contract on D.
They’re still in the market for a depth center, if they don’t find it from the slim pickings in Free Agency, could they package Nick Holden for a center? There is still a possibility, Rangers can sign a center like Patrick Marleau, but with Thornton resigning in San Jose, you could very well see him follow suit. It may be easier to move Holden knowing you have DeAngelo, as well as a few prospects who are very close to making it to the big club. With players like Graves, Day, Bereglazov, Pionk, and a few others in the system you have to believe Gorton will try to move at least one or two of the blueliners on the Rangers roster.
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