Rangers Rumor Roundup: The Final Countdown before free agent frenzy

Jun 30, 2017

Gorton (Getty)

Hello again! @NHLRumorsDaily back with the highly awaited, pre-FA rumor roundup. Since there’s been an outcry on twitter to hear all of the latest info, I’ll skip my usual intro and get straight to the rumors, so here we go!

Will the NYR be “Shatt” out of luck?

Last night, FullTiltNYR.com learned that Shattenkirk met with the Devils and informed the NYR that he would not be taking a hometown discount. As of now, I am hearing this is still the case as New Jersey is preparing to offer a 7 year deal worth north of 7 million dollars to the 28 year old, right-handed defenseman.

While it is known that the NYR will not go 7 years on any contract, the latest is that Shattenkirk will take the Devils’s offer to the Rangers and give GM Jeff Gorton a chance to bump up an offer of his own. From what I’ve heard, there appears to be mixed signals out there whether or not the NYR are strong frontrunners for Shattenkirk.

Other notable teams chasing after Shattenkirk include Boston, Tampa Bay, and Buffalo however it seems that the Hudson River rivals will be the top suitors for the d-man’s services.

Editor’s Note: A source told me that Shattenkirk’s camp has all but decided and that his signing could be announced as soon as the opening bell sounds tomorrow at noon EST. – Anthony

Backing up Henrik

Two goaltenders that the NYR have heavily targeted for the backup position, Keith Kinkaid and Anders Nilsson have both been taken off the market so the NYR are now looking at secondary options that include Antti Niemi, and the most recent name, just breaking from TSN’s Darren Dreger, Ondrej Pavelec

Pavelec, a 29 year old goalie who most recently played for the Winnipeg Jets, was sent to the minors in the beginning of this past season, and will most likely be the cheapest option available on the market.

Kovalchuk Update

Kovalchuk (KHL)

The latest in the evolving Ilya Kovalchuk saga is that the Russian winger has been in discussions with his KHL club, SKA St. Petersburg, on a return for another season, before coming back to the NHL next year as a UFA. Columbus has engaged the New Jersey Devils in trade talks, but the price that Devils GM Ray Shero has set is way too much for the Blue Jackets at this time. The earliest that a trade could even happen is, July 1st so I fully expect this to drag out for a little while longer. Another factor is that Kovalchuk has really set his sights on playing for the Rangers, over Columbus, and Shero has been reluctant to work out a deal with the NYR.

NYR back in the Duchene Market?

Sources also tell me the NYR have renewed their interest in Matt Duchene, but the price that Colorado has been looking for, puts the NYR behind teams such as Carolina, who I’ve heard has offered highly touted defenseman, Noah Hanifin in an offer. It seems that once again, the NYR will turn their attention elsewhere.

Jumbo Joe is a No-Go?

Another name that has been linked to the NYR, Joe Thornton has been in advanced talks with the LA Kings and San Jose Sharks. It has been known that Thornton wants to stay in San Jose on a multi year deal, and it appears that the Sharks have offered Thornton and Patrick Marleau, another NYR target, two year deals to stay as Sharks.

Dan Girardi heading to Tampa

It appears per multiple insider reports that Dan Girardi could be signing with the Lightning tomorrow. Great news for the Rangers all time leader in playoff games. We wish him nothing but the best.

Less than 24 hours to go until the Free Agency period begins, so for the latest breaking news around the NHL, keep glued to @NHLRumorsDaily on Twitter. Also, stay tuned for another Rumor Roundup, tomorrow, right here on FullTiltNYR.com. Until then, Cheers!

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