The event, which supports youth mental health, brings together current and former Rangers, along with other players to promote the message of “Reaching Out. Checking In. Making Contact.”

“The hat I’m wearing right now [is] for one of my good buddies, Jimmy Hayes. You know, this is something that hits home for me,” Shattenkirk told NHL Network. “Seeing the message that’s behind it, and knowing you can make a difference with such a small act, it goes a long way.”

The showcase was founded in memory of Hayden Thorsen, a 16-year-old goalie from Connecticut who committed suicide in 2022. Since then, Hayden’s parents, Rob Thorsen and Sarah Thompson, have made it their goal to turn grief into action through the Shoulder Check movement, a campaign that encourages kids to show up for one another with kindness, on and off the ice.

Related: Daily Slice: Wheeler Retires, Rangers Linked to Trade Target

Before the puck drops, players gather at center ice with one hand on the shoulder of the person next to them, taking the Shoulder Check pledge: “I promise to Reach Out, Check In, Make Contact.”

The event continues to grow. From its beginnings just two summers ago, it’s become a marquee summer showcase featuring returning talent like Shattenkirk, Chris Kreider and Jonathan Quick.

The event begins with fan events at 4 p.m., including food trucks, raffles, and a chance to learn more abut the Shoulder Check initiative. A skills showcase will follow at 6 p.m., with puck drop set for 6:30 p.m.

Shattenkirk’s mission behind the Shoulder Check movement

Shattenkirk said he’s returning to the Shoulder Check Showcase to help continue to grow the message behind the movement. As a defenseman who spent more than a decade in the NHL before announcing his retirement last December, he has seen firsthand how powerful the hockey community can be when it comes together for something bigger than the game itself.

In Stamford, that “something bigger” is mental health awareness. During the past three years, he’s remained one of the event’s biggest supporters, growing it both on the ice and behind the scenes.

For Shattenkirk and many of the players who return each year, the message behind the Shoulder Check movement is personal.

Related: Rangers keep eye on potential 2026 free agents, including Connor McDavid

“It can happen to any one of us,” he said, reflecting on how mental health challenges hit every corner of the sport. “We’ve seen that, especially over the last few years that the event’s been going on.”

Shattenkirk praised the work of Thorsen and Thompson, who turned an unimaginably sorrowful situation into a successful movement that now echoes across the hockey world. What started as a local tribute has turned into a national call to action.

Along with Shattenkirk, eight other former and current Rangers will take part in the Shoulder Check Showcase. Adam Fox, Matt Rempe, and Brett Berard will represent the current squad, while Kreider, Kevin Hayes, Frank Vatrano, Martin St. Louis, and Quick are all set to partake.

Quick will be joined by St. Louis, a Hockey Hall of Famer, behind Team Quick’s bench.

With more players, creators, and fans joining each year, the Shoulder Check Showcase continues to expand its audience.

CLICK HERE for more information about the Shoulder Check Showcase and movement.

“After 14 amazing years in the National Hockey League, I have decided to retire,” Shattenkirk said in a statement posted on social media. “I never knew hockey would take me this far. This game has had a dramatic impact in developing me into the man I am today.”

The 35-year-old native of New Rochelle, New York, about 15 miles from Madison Square Garden, signed a four-year, $26.6 million contract with the Rangers on July 1, 2017, and played two seasons with the team he grew up rooting for. However, he was hampered by a knee injury in 2017-18 and saw his ice time drop from 20:16 in his first season to 18:56 in his second.

With the Rangers looking to rebuild with youth after missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs in back-to-back seasons, Shattenkirk was bought out and signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning on Aug. 5, 2019.

His game perked up in Tampa Bay, where he thrived in a less-demanding role, and his performance helped the Lightning win the Stanley Cup in 2020 —  he had three goals and 13 points in 25 postseason games, averaging 19:30 of ice time.

Shattenkirk then signed as a free agent with Anaheim prior to the 2020-21 season and played three seasons with the Ducks before joining the Boston Bruins on July 1, 2023. He had 24 points (six goals, 18 assists) in 61 regular-season games and one assist in six playoff games for the Bruins, who were eliminated by the Florida Panthers in the second round.

He finished his career with 484 points (103 goals, 381 assists) in 952 regular-season games and 48 points (8 goals, 40 assists) in 91 playoff games. Shattenkirk also represented the United States at the 2014 Winter Olympics, finishing with three assists as the U.S. came in fourth.

“I can proudly say that I have accomplished most of my career goals,” Shattenkirk said after announcing his retirement. “I scored big goals, including a Stanley Cup Final overtime goal, played in All-Star games, represented my country in the Olympics, and won a Stanley Cup! What makes me even prouder when I reflect back on my career are the countless friendships that I have made along the way. … Thank you to all my teammates, it was an honor to play with all of you.”

The Colorado Avalanche selected Shattenkirk with the 14th pick in the 2007 NHL Draft; two years later, he helped Boston University win an NCAA title. He turned pro with the Avs in October 2010 and played for Colorado, the St. Louis Blues and Washington Capitals before coming to the Rangers.

He told the media when he signed with New York that he knew all about the pressure of playing for his hometown team, and that he had turned down a bigger offer to call Madison Square Garden his home arena.

“When you have the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream, it’s an opportunity that may only come once in my career and I felt like this was my chance,” Shattenkirk said. “It’s a team I’m extremely excited about. A lot of factors outside of money and terms came into play and ultimately won the decision for me.”

The Rangers had high hopes that Shattenkirk, regarded as the best defenseman available in the 2017 free-agent class, would be a top-pair D-man, but that never materialized. He missed most of his first season with injuries and struggled in the second, finishing with 28 points (2 goals, 26 assists) in 73 games.

With the rebuilding Rangers looking to clear cap space in the summer of 2019 after signing free agent forward Artemi Panarin and recently acquired defenseman Jacob Trouba — Shattenkirk was bought out. He finished his tenure in New York with 51 points (7 goals, 44 assists) in 119 games.

To say he wasn’t happy about leaving would have been an understatement.

“I was pretty pissed off about it,” Shattenkirk said of the Rangers’ decision to buy out his contract, according to The Associated Press. “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.

“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.”

Much of his responsibility on the blue line was taken over by Trouba, who had been acquired earlier that summer from the Winnipeg Jets; ironically, the Rangers traded Trouba, who had been named captain before the 2022-23 season, to the Ducks on Dec. 6 – largely for cap reasons.

The New York Rangers have never been reluctant to spend big money on free agents. But being willing to open your wallet is one thing; opening it for the right player at the right time is a whole different issue. While they’ve had some big hits over the years, the Rangers have also inked a sprinkling of albatross contracts that have set the organization back — sometimes immensely, especially in the salary cap era. Here’s a look at the 10 worst free-agent signings in Rangers history:

Related: New York Rangers worst trades in past 50 years, including Luc Robitaille twice

10. Richards Got Rich

The Signing: Rangers signed center Brad Richards to a nine-year contract
Date: July 1, 2011

Why it mattered: The Rangers have never been reluctant to open their wallet for free agents. Richards, the biggest fish in the 2011 free agent pool, had won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2004, when John Tortorella led the Tampa Bay Lightning to the Stanley Cup. With Tortorella now in charge of the Rangers, it was no surprise that the 31-year-old center wound up signing a front-loaded mega-deal that brought him to New York.

Richards was one of the NHL’s top playmakers and was coming off seasons of 91 and 77 points with the Dallas Stars. He had lost a step and didn’t come close to those numbers in New York, but his 66 points in 2011-12 helped the Rangers finish first in the Eastern Conference, and he was a 20-goal scorer two years later when the Rangers got to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since winning it in 1994. 

However, the collective bargaining agreement that ended the 2012 lockout turned Richards’ contract into a liability. The deal had been structured so that he wouldn’t play the last three seasons (but would earn $1 million per season). However, such contracts were considered cap circumvention under the new CBA, meaning that if he retired early, the Rangers would be on the hook for more than $5 million for each of those three seasons — for a player no longer on the roster. They wound up buying out the final six seasons of the contract, meaning that Richards ended up getting paid about $53 million for his three seasons in New York. 

He signed with the Chicago Blackhawks and almost wound up facing his old team in the 2015 Final, but the Tampa Bay Lightning knocked off the Rangers in Game 7 to win the Eastern Conference Final before losing to the Hawks in six games. 

Related: New York Rangers best trades in past 50 years, including Mark Messier

9. Cracked Glass

The Signing: Rangers sign forward Tanner Glass to a three-year contract
Date: July 1, 2014

Why it mattered: Every new coach wants to put his own stamp on his new team. Alain Vigneault was no exception.

Vigneault liked Glass, a forward who contributed grit but little else, from his days coaching the Vancouver Canucks. He reportedly pushed to sign Glass after being named coach of the Rangers in April 2014, and GM Glen Sather inked him to a three-year contract on the first day of free agency.

Glass would stand up for his teammates and was among the most popular players in the locker room. But he contributed almost nothing offensively, was a black hole when it came to puck possession and never came close to being worth the average of $1.45 million the Rangers were paying him. 

He contributed one goal, six points and 98 penalty minutes in 66 regular-season games in 2014-15, and one assist while playing all 19 games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs — including the Game 7 loss to the Lightning that prevented them from returning to the Final.

But as the game became faster, Glass was increasingly a player out of his era. He was waived early in 2015-16 and spent most of the final two seasons of his contract in the NHL.

Glass gave it all he had on every shift. But with the NHL in a state of flux, that wasn’t enough.

Related: Where do New York Rangers rank regarding team statistics in salary cap era?

8. Not Keen on Keane

The Signing: Rangers sign forward Mike Keane to a four-year contract
Date: July 7, 1997

Why it mattered: The Rangers spent much of the late 1990s chasing another Stanley Cup to go along with the one they won in 1994. They got to the conference finals in 1996-97 before being eliminated by the Philadelphia Flyers, and management was confident there was still a championship nucleus on hand.

GM Neil Smith wanted some additional veteran presence as an insurance policy against the potential loss of captain Mark Messier (who ultimately left for the Vancouver Canucks as a free agent), so he brought in Keane, a free agent who had won championships with the Montreal Canadiens (where he’d been captain) and Colorado Avalanche. The 30-year-old didn’t come cheaply — the four-year contract carried an average annual value of $2 million, a huge outlay for someone who didn’t play top-six minutes and had never scored more than 16 goals in a season. 

But as was often the case in the 1990s and 2000s, the signing turned into a disaster. Keane and another veteran forward, Brian Skrudland (who signed the same day), formed two-thirds of an incredibly expensive third line that contributed little, offensively or defensively. For many Rangers fans, the most memorable happening involving Keane came when he inadvertently crashed into linemate Pat LaFontaine during a late-season game; the resulting concussion ended LaFontaine’s career.

With his team’s playoff hopes dimming as the trade deadline neared, Smith sent both players to the Dallas Stars as part of a late March housecleaning that brought in veteran forward Bob Errey and youngster Todd Harvey. Keane became a three-time champion with the Stars in 1999, played in the NHL until 2003-04 and spent five more seasons in the AHL. His time with the Rangers turned out to be a blip in one of hockey’s longest careers.

Related: 10 most underrated New York Rangers since 2000

7. Local Boy Doesn’t Make Good

The Signing: Rangers signed defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk to a four-year contract
Date: July 1, 2017

Why it mattered: The Rangers didn’t have to look far when seeking an offensive defenseman in the summer of 2017. Shattenkirk was a Rangers fan who grew up in New Rochelle, New York, about a half-hour from Madison Square Garden, and reportedly passed up bigger offers to sign a four-year deal worth an average of $6.65 million.

The contract didn’t seem to be out of line — in fact, he said he might have left money on the table but that this was his chance “to fulfill a lifetime dream.” Shattenkirk was the highest scorer of any free agent available in 2017 (56 points, a career-high) and had finished with at least 42 points in each of the five previous non-lockout seasons. 

But things quickly went south. Shattenkirk’s offensive numbers tanked during an injury-filled first season, and the Rangers’ objectives changed as they fell out of the playoff race; they dealt away veterans like Ryan McDonagh and J.T. Miller while opting to rebuild. Management decided in the summer of 2019 that Shattenkirk didn’t fit into their future plans and opted to buy out the final two seasons.

The Tampa Bay Lightning quickly snapped up Shattenkirk, who helped them win the Stanley Cup in 2020. He then played three seasons with the Anaheim Ducks before joining the Boston Bruins in 2023-24.

Shattenkirk’s time with his hometown team can be filed under the heading of “be careful what you ask for.” In this case, neither side got what it was hoping for. 

Related: Top 10 all-time best United States-born players in New York Rangers history

6. Kaspar the Unfriendly Ghost

The Signing: Rangers sign defenseman Darius Kasparaitis to a six-year contract
Date: July 2, 2002

Why it mattered: The Rangers, who had missed the playoffs for five consecutive seasons, wanted a more physical presence on the blue line and outbid the Toronto Maple Leafs for Kasparaitis, who got a six-year deal worth an average of $4.25 million despite having never scoring more than four goals or 21 points in a season and having been hampered by a couple of major injuries.

Ironically, one of the callers in the recruiting drive for “Kaspar” was Rangers center Eric Lindros, who had missed a month after being knocked unconscious by a Kasparaitis check four years earlier while playing for the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Rangers paid Kasparaitis to be what he was at his best — a human wrecking ball who had no compunctions about leveling the NHL’s top players (he was famous for flattening both Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux) with the kind of hip check that was rarely seen anymore. And he did just that in his first season with a rebuilding team, banging bodies and forcing opponents to keep an eye out for them.

But his hitting ability was often negated by his lack of speed and offensive skills. His playing style also led to more injuries, which slowed him even more. The Rangers waived Kasparaitis prior to 2006-07, making him a very expensive AHL defenseman for the final two seasons of his contract after he went unclaimed. 

Related: 5 alternate jerseys the New York Rangers should bring back

5. Drury Disappoints

The Signing: Rangers signed center Chris Drury to a five-year contract
Date: July 1, 2007

Why it mattered: Drury won the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie in 1998-99, helped the Colorado Avalanche win the Stanley Cup two years later and was coming off back-to-back 30-goal seasons with the Buffalo Sabres in the summer of 2007 when Sather lured the 31-year-old center to the team he grew up watching as a boy in Connecticut with a five-year contract worth more than $7 million a year.

No. 1 center Michael Nylander had left for Washington, so coach Tom Renney installed Drury on the first line with Jaromir Jagr and Martin Straka on his wings. But while Drury was getting paid top-line money, he’d never been a first-line talent. That didn’t change with his new team: Drury’s offensive totals dropped off — and so did Jagr’s, who had put up 123 and 96 points in the previous two seasons but managed just 71 while largely playing with Drury and left for the KHL the following season.

Drury’s offensive numbers continued to drop. By 2010-11, injuries limited him to 24 games and one goal; the Rangers bought out the remaining year of his contract in July  2011. He was among the host of free-agent disappointments that riddled the Rangers in the first few years after the lockout that wiped out the 2004-05 season.

But unlike the others on this list, Drury’s time with the Rangers had a second act. He rejoined the team as director of player development in 2015 and was named president and general manager in 2021. He’s now trying to do as an executive what he couldn’t as a player — lead the Rangers to a championship.

Related: 6 Unanswered Rangers questions before 2024-25 season, including Matt Rempe’s long-term role

4. One Devil Disaster

The Signing: Rangers signed center Scott Gomez to a seven-year contract
Date: July 1, 2007

Why it mattered: The Rangers thought they had accomplished two things when they landed Gomez, a 28-year-old two-time Stanley Cup winner with the New Jersey Devils, center in the summer of 2007. Not only did they feel they were getting one of the NHL’s best centers, but they were weakening a division rival at the same time.

That was the theory. The reality was a lot different.

Part of the problem was the expectations that went along with a contract worth $7.5 million per season — one that was signed the same day they inked Drury. Gomez had broken the 20-goal mark just once in eight seasons with the Devils, but he was expected to put the puck in the net more in his new home. But it didn’t happen. He matched his career high with 70 points in his first season at the Garden but scored just 16 goals. He equaled that goal total in 2008-09 but saw his assists (42) and points (58) fall off despite seeing his ice time bumped up to more than 21 minutes a game.

By now, Garden fans were bemoaning spending top dollar on a playmaking center who was over 30 and likely entering the back nine of his career — with a commitment of $35 million still on the books.

The only thing that saved Sather was that he was able to foist Gomez off on another team. The Canadiens needed a middle-six center and took Gomez off his hands in what looked like a salary dump. But part of the return was a college defenseman named Ryan McDonagh – who turned into a stud.

Related: Rarest Rangers sweaters in franchise history, including Wayne Gretzky

3. Another Devil Disaster

The Signing: Rangers signed center Bobby Holik to a five-year contract
Date: July 1, 2002

Why it mattered: The center on the “Crash Line” that helped the Devils win the Stanley Cup in 1995 and 2000 crashed and burned when he took his game across the Hudson River.

Holik was a big, physical center who put up very good offensive numbers for someone who spent most of his time on a checking line. He had averaged 23 goals and 57 points from 1996-97 through 2001-02 and was a plus player in all six of those seasons. With the Rangers’ non-playoff streak at five seasons and counting, Sather threw money at Holik, signing him to a five-year deal worth $45 million. That’s $9 million per season for a 31-year-old who wasn’t a first-line player.

But with a big contract came big expectations — ones that Holik couldn’t meet. His offensive numbers dropped off sharply in 2002-03; though they rebounded in his second season, 25 goals and 56 points weren’t nearly enough to prevent the Rangers from missing the playoffs for a seventh straight season.

When play resumed after the lockout that wiped out 2004-05, the Rangers wasted little time buying out the final two seasons of his contract. Holik spent the next three seasons with the Atlanta Thrashers before a final season with New Jersey. He finished his career with 326 goals and 747 points in 1,314 games as well as two Stanley Cup rings — and a ton of money from a contract that still generates grumbles from Rangers fans of that era.

Related: Rangers’ Artemi Panarin named one of best wings in hockey by NHL Network analyst

2. Fleury Flames Out

The Signing: Rangers signed forward Theo Fleury to a three-year contract (plus team option for a fourth season)
Date: July 8, 1999

Why it mattered: Fleury and the Rangers were a match made in hockey hell.

With the Rangers having missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time in two decades, ownership gave Smith access to the checkbook and told him to go shopping. 

Fleury, all 5-foot-6 of him, had helped the Calgary Flames win the Stanley Cup as a rookie in 1989, then spent the next 10 seasons piling up goals and points. He was coming off his fourth 40-goal season in the summer of 1999; the last 10 tallies came with the Avalanche after a late-season trade. That was more than enough for Smith and Garden president Dave Checketts to pursue Fleury and get his signature on the dotted line of a contract worth $7 million annually.

But the personal issues that Fleury, who described himself as “a prairie kid from a town of 1,500,” had handled successfully in Calgary weren’t as easily dealt with under the bright lights of the Big Apple. He struggled on the ice in his first season but found his game in year two and was among the league leaders in goals and points until his season ended when he checked into a substance abuse program.

His third season saw him produce 24 goals and 63 points but pile up 216 penalty minutes amid incidents that included a fight with the San Jose Sharks mascot and leaving the arena instead of going to the penalty box. The Rangers didn’t exercise their option and gave him away that summer to San Jose; he wound up signing with the Chicago Blackhawks but another substance abuse suspension ended his NHL career.

Fleury’s autobiography, released in 2009, explained a lot. He recounted how he grew up poor in Manitoba, was sexually abused by junior hockey coach Graham James, drank and gambled excessively, and used cocaine during his career, including his time with the Rangers (he got sober in 2005). 

Related: Sam Rosen dishes on Rangers broadcast partners in reflective Rink Rap podcast interview

1. Creating the AHL’s Richest Player

The Signing: Rangers signed defenseman Wade Redden to a six-year contract
Date: July 1, 2008

Why it mattered: Sather wasted no time signing Redden, a solid top-four defenseman with the Ottawa Senators for more than a decade, when he became a free agent in the summer of 2008. The No. 2 pick in the 1995 NHL Draft had never been spectacular, but he’d reached double figures in goals five times and was a plus player in each of his last seven seasons with the Sens, who had opted to keep him instead of Zdeno Chara in 2006. 

Many thought the six years and $6.5 million average annual were a bit on the high side, though not necessarily outrageous, for a 31-year-old. Given the way things turned out, “outrageous” would have been a major improvement.

Redden had a poor season in 2008-09 and was even worse the following season, managing just two goals and 14 points in 75 games. The skills that had attracted the Rangers were nowhere to be found; instead, he looked washed up.

With cap space tight and Redden not producing, the decision was made to bite the bullet and demote Redden and his huge contract to the AHL. For the next two seasons, he was (by far) the AHL’s highest-paid player. He might have stayed there for the remainder of his contract, but the collective bargaining agreement that ended the 2012-13 lockout eliminated most of the benefits of burying a contract in the minors. Instead, the Rangers bought out the final two seasons of his deal.

The St. Louis Blues quickly signed Redden, though they ended up flipping him to the Bruins at the trade deadline. He retired after playing five games during Boston’s run to the 2013 Stanley Cup Final.

Redden’s signing might not be the worst deal in NHL history, but it’s right up there. 

Related: 5 iconic Rangers play-by-play calls by legendary Sam Rosen

The New York Rangers salary cap is saddled with $3,427,778 in buyout penalties. Some of those are from buyouts that occurred all the way back in 2017.

That freed up cap space will come at a great time for at least one of the Blueshirts young pending restricted free agents.

Forever Blueshirts will dive deeper into the Rangers salary cap situation this month starting with dead cap money.

New York Rangers Salary Cap: Buyout Penalties

Here’s a breakdown of buyouts the Rangers are still paying for:

• Kevin Shattenkirk ($1,433,333)
• Dan Girardi ($1,111,111)
• Tony DeAngelo ($883,334)

Note: All cap data via CapFriendly

Dan Girardi buyout

On June 14, 2017 the New York Rangers bought out the contract of Dan Girardi. At the time, the 10 year Blueshirts veteran had three years remaining on a contract that came with an AAV of $5.5 million.

The rugged shot-blocking defenseman was a warrior for the team during their Black and Blueshirts days. He was part of one of the top shutdown pairings in the NHL with Ryan McDonagh and helped the team reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2014.

Unfortunately, his body could not hold up to the wear and tear. Girardi’s game started to decline at the end of the 2015 campaign.

Kevin Shattenkirk buyout

The Rangers bought out the contract of Kevin Shattenkirk on August 1, 2019. This was a shocking turn of events, considering he was a prized free agent in 2017 and signed with the team for less money than others offered.

New York bought out the final two years of his four-year deal that came with a $6.65 million cap hit. They obviously needed the space after signing Artemi Panarin that summer to a monster 7-year contract with an $11.6 million AAV.

Sadly for Shattenkirk, he was playing on a bad knee for the most part with the Rangers. The offensive defenseman simply struggled in his own end trying to play top four minutes.

Tony DeAngelo buyout

On July 24, 2021 the Rangers and Tony DeAngelo ended a tumultuous relationship.

After signing a two-year, $9.6 million contract extension in October 2020, he could not stay out of trouble with his coach and teammates. After an early season scratch, things came to a head when he was involved in a reported altercation with goaltender Alexandar Georgiev.

Previous GM Jeff Gorton warned DeAngelo prior to the incident that any issue would lead to that being an end to his Rangers career. After just six games, he would not play for the Blueshirts again.

The buyout was for one-third of the remaining contract because DeAngelo was younger than 26. The Rangers cap hit last season was for $383,334 and ends with $883,334 this year.

New York Rangers salary cap 2023

The New York Rangers will have the following players become restricted free agents in 2023:

• Alexis Lafrenière
• Filip Chytil (arbitration rights)
• Julien Gauthier (arbitration rights)
• K’Andre Miller
• Libor Hajek (arbitration rights)
• Vitali Kravtsov
• Zac Jones

It should also be noted that Ryan Reaves and his $1.75 million cap hit will be off the books. In addition, Jaroslav Halak’s $1.5 million is gone too, but the Rangers will need that money for another backup.

Looking at the $3.4 million in dead cap space coupled with Reaves’ $1.75 million gives you a little over $5 million.

The New York Rangers should take between $4M to $5M and ink K’Andre Miller to a five-year deal.

As for the rest of the RFAs, only Alexis Lafrenière will be a lock to return with Filip Chytil to a lesser extent.

How will the Rangers sign them? That’s why you hear the term ‘cap squeeze’ used so often when discussing the team’s future.

It’s not an easy problem to solve and likely means certain players like Barclay Goodrow, who has a modified trade clause could be at risk next summer. The Rangers could also ask Jacob Trouba or Chris Kreider to waive their full no-move clauses, but that will be a challenge.

NHL News and Rumors

• Who are the greatest NHL players of all-time?
• NHL Preseason schedule feature games in Europe
• NHL Rumors: Latest on Oettinger, Weegar, and more

Former Rangers defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk brings Cup to MSG

Kevin Shattenkirk signed with the New York Rangers in the summer of 2017. He did so as the top UFA on the market and with a major hometown discount. Kevin wanted to play for his boyhood team so bad he gave up three years of term.

Unfortunately, Shattenkirk struggled as well as did the entire team. On top of that, he was battling through a knee injury that eventually required surgery. This led to him being bought out in the summer of 2019. He was angry and hurt and he used that to fuel his Cup run.

After winning the Cup he was interviewed by NBC and he said, “It was a hard road in New York, there was a lot of tough times.” Shatty was visibly upset reflecting on his time on Broadway before dwelling on the opportunity in Tampa.

He wanted to win in NY, and bring the Cup back to the Garden. Consider it mission accomplished as he held it high over head in front of MSG.

A classy move by a classy organization. @TBLightning share the #Stanleycup with players from last years team that moved on. Kevin Shattenkirk brings it back home to New Rochelle, NY. @nhl@HockeyHallFame pic.twitter.com/GDBXdDxYg8

— Philip Pritchard (@keeperofthecup) July 18, 2021

Pavel Buchnevich rumors persist

Last week, Frank Seravalli noted that the Rangers may be looking to trade RFA, Pavel Buchnevich. According to his report, he stated Chris Drury is talking with teams about a possible deal for the 26 year-old winger.

So why would the Rangers even think about trading him? First off, they have two bright young stars in Kaapo Kakko and Vitali Kravtsov that play the right wing. Both are on ELC’s with cost control for next season. Buchnevich, on the other hand will make upwards of $5 to $6 million on a multi-year deal.

This has his name persisting in trade talks with Elliotte Friedman dropping this note in his latest blog.

One situation to watch: Pavel Buchnevich, Rangers. Arbitration eligible. UFA next summer. Too expensive to keep? Other teams like him.

31 Thoughts

Looks like this is one rumor to keep an eye on.

NHL: Seattle Kraken will have a lot of good players to choose from

PK Subban, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Jonathan Quick are just a handful of big names available to Seattle. Read more.

Kevin Shattenkirk reflects on NY after winning the Cup

Kevin Shattenkirk signed with the New York Rangers in the summer of 2017. He did so as the top UFA on the market and with a major hometown discount. Kevin wanted to play for his boyhood team so bad he gave up three years of term.

Unfortunately, Shattenkirk struggled as well as the entire team. On top of that, he was battling through a knee injury that eventually required surgery. This led to him being bought out in the summer of 2019. He was angry and hurt and he used that to fuel his Cup run.

After winning the Cup he was interviewed by NBC and he said, “It was a hard road in New York, there was a lot of tough times.” Shatty was visibly upset talking about it while reflecting. He perked up talking about deciding to sign with Tampa because they believed in him and now he’s a champ.

Jack Eichel news aftermath

If you slept in all day, you may have missed the news from yesterday. NHL Insider, Bob McKenzie reported on recent Jack Eichel speculation and where there is smoke, there’s fire.

We learned that at some point after Eichel went public about being upset with the Sabres constant losing, teams called on him. McKenzie confirmed that the Rangers were indeed one of those teams.

What that has led to is rampant speculation that there were actual offers made by Gorton. Names like Kaapo Kakko were thrown out there like candy. Well anyone saying that there were names discussed missed this key line from McKenzie, “None of those talks with other clubs resulted in Eichel trade traction.”

I asked around and that means the calls probably went something like this.

GM: Hey, what’s going on with Jack? Are you open to moving him?
Sabres: We will work it out, and no we are not moving Jack Eichel.

Call over.

Tony DeAngelo reacts to Shattenkirk winning Cup

Tony DeAngelo took to Twitter to drop a message for Shatty last night.

Tampa Bay Lightning Stanley Cup Champions

The Lightning came into the playoffs as one of the top teams to win it all and that’s what they did. It was not an easy road for Tampa as they took out four extremely tough opponents.

In the first round it was a tough five game series against the Blue Jackets. That was followed up with a five game series win against Boston where many believe the Cup was decided. Then came the resilient Islanders in six and it was topped off by the a surprisingly good Stars team in six also.

From Cancelled on Broadway to Champs in the Sunshine

Two players who were unceremoniously booted off Broadway are now Champions. Former New York Rangers Ryan McDonagh and Kevin Shattenkirk both hoisted the Cup high overhead.

McDonagh who came close to a Cup in 2014, and was ousted by the Lightning in 7 games of the ECF in 2015 is now a Cup Champion. Kevin Shattenkirk who was dragged through the mud by Barry Trotz in Washington and then bought out in NY last season, is also now a Cup Champion.

Everyone was a star

When a team wins a Stanley Cup, everyone plays a role. Whether it’s a big piece or a little one, it is all part of the championship puzzle. Still it would be hard not to point out just how good Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, Victor Hedman, and Andrei Vasilevskiy were for the Lightning.

The sight of Tampa’s captain, Steven Stamkos dressed to accept the Cup was beautiful. Although he played less than three minutes in these playoffs, he magically scored a goal and will more than earned his name being engraved on Lord Stanley’s Cup.

A memorable Stanley Cup Playoffs

Many argued that there should be an asterisk to these playoffs. The claim was with 24 teams it was tainted. You know, I agree there should be an asterisk. The asterisk should be for these factors:

• Pulling it off with no positive tests
• Making a sport traditionally considered hard to follow on TV, a made for TV delight
• Some of the best hockey ever seen in the playoffs
• And for the most difficult tournament to win ever

Congrats to the NHL. Congrats to the Dallas Stars. And a special congratulations to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

You also need to understand the uncertainty surrounding the NHL landscape. For example, no one thought Bobby Ryan was going to be bought out yesterday. And there could be a lot of other surprise buyouts and trades. The Rangers need to assess it all.

Just a note that today I will be recording a new podcast with NHL Reporter and Insider John Shannon. Please look for it later or subscribe here to get it on your phone as soon as its released.

No Lundqvist buyout this weekend

Late yesterday, Darren Dreger went on TSN to discuss the Lundqvist situation. “The Rangers want to treat Henrik Lundqvist with the respect he deserves,” Dreger began. “There’s no trade interest at this point in Henrik Lundqvist but that could change.” Additionally he added that with money on the table Lundqvist is unlikely to retire.

“That leaves another option and the potential of buying him out,” he continued. “What I was told by sources associated with the club is that decision isn’t going to be made today or this weekend.”

From what I understand, there was at least one team interested in Lundqvist. As of now, nothing has materialized but we are still over a week away from the NHL draft. That will mark a key date for a lot of teams to make decisions. If there’s a trade it will happen by then, or we will see a buyout.

Kevin Shattenkirk’s road to redemption

Former Ranger, Kevin Shattenkirk notched the game 4 OT winner and is now one win away from lifting the Stanley Cup. Shatty is a great story after being maligned by Barry Trotz, and then being bought out by his childhood dream team the Rangers.

“I never kind of forget what happened last summer and I’ve used that to fuel me and just not get comfortable,” Shattenkirk said. “I’m looking forward to tomorrow night because then it could all come really full circle.”

Good for Shatty and the Rangers last captain, Ryan McDonagh who are close to winning the Cup.

Jacob Trouba remembers the trade call to NY

Catch up on all the NHL action here!

Missed any of the action? Want to get caught up on all the latest NHL news? Go to The Daily Goal Horn, your new home for hockey.

Brett Kemp – The biggest bright spot for the Rangers was not one of their highly touted prospects, rather, it was Brett Kemp, who was a free agent invite that played for Medicine Hat in the WHL last season. Kemp netted both Rangers goals, scoring from a bad angle on the first, and a snipe on the second.

Vitali Kravtsov – For me, Kravtsov had his moments but could’ve been better. He appeared to pass up a few shooting chances, something Rangers fans have become all too familiar with in recent years. As I said during the Mats Zuccarello/Kevin Hayes era: shooting the puck more forces the defense to respect your shot and opens up the passing lanes. If all you do is pass, you make it easier for the defense to defend.

Adam Fox – The Harvard alumnus also had some positive moments, but he definitely struggled for large stretches. He was definitely noticeable when it came to jumping into the rush, but he made a couple of poor breakout passes as well.

The group as a whole looked a bit disjointed, with plenty of bad drop passes and turnovers that led to Columbus goals on the ensuing odd-man rush. But for Fox, who is now in an elevated spot on the depth chart with Shattenkirk being bought out and DeAngelo still without a contract, his play in this tournament will be monitored closely by Rangers management.

Igor Shesterkin – In his first game on the smaller North American ice, Igor Shesterkin did not have a good showing. His teammates didn’t give him much help with all the odd-man rushes they allowed, but you could definitely make a case that the young Russian should’ve stopped a couple of the Columbus tallies. As people mentioned on Twitter during the contest, Shesterkin is almost guaranteed to start the year in Hartford, which will allow him to get as comfortable with the NHL-sized ice before he makes his mark with the big club.

Next Game: The Rangers continue their Traverse City Tournament with a game tomorrow night against the Dallas Stars prospects. Puck drops at 7!

LETS GO RANGERS!!

The somewhat surprising and undoubtedly controversial buyout of Kevin Shattenkirk, coupled with the acquisitions of right-shot defensemen Jacob Trouba and Harvard standout Adam Fox, have made the Rangers defense younger and quicker. Now add in the uncertainty around Tony DeAngelo’s new contract after a breakout season; it’s become unclear to many Ranger fans what their depth on the right side will be when the puck drops on the 2019-2020 NHL Regular Season. Let’s take a look at what David Quinn’s defensive lineup could look like when the Rangers face the Winnipeg Jets on October 3rd.

1st Pair – Brady Skjei (LD) and Jacob Trouba (RD)

While these two lifelong buddies will look to reignite their previous chemistry on the ice, there will be a lot of expectations and pressure on both Skjei and Trouba to perform well on Broadway this season. Skjei is coming off his second consecutive 25-point season. But after his impressive rookie campaign in which he nearly scored 40 points, as well as the addition of Trouba to the Rangers lineup as his defense partner; there will be a lot of eyes on Skjei to take his game to the next level in 2019-2020. Skjei had a rotating cast of defense partners last season, as he was frequently paired with Neal Pionk or Kevin Shattenkirk, neither of whom will be donning Rangers sweaters this season.

Skjei has shown flashes of his ability these past three seasons in the Big Apple. He is a terrific skater and can join the rush and create offense. However, it remains to be seen if he can emerge into a top-pair defender or if he is better suited for second pairing minutes going forward. Partnering with a player like Trouba will give Skjei the perfect opportunity to showcase his abilities while finally playing with a steady defense partner. It will be necessary for Trouba and Skjei to communicate well with one another on the ice, as both players have tremendous skating abilities and can both help generate offensive chances by pinching down the boards or joining the rush.

In regards to Trouba, a lot of pressure will be placed on the American-born defender, and rightfully so, because of his contract. After inking a seven-year, $56 million deal with the Rangers this summer, the 25-year-old Trouba will be expected to replicate his 50-point performance from Winnipeg last season on Broadway in 2019-2020 and beyond. The Rangers need Trouba to assert himself as that legitimate number-one defenseman who can play over 20 minutes a night and can be used in all situations. One of Trouba’s best attributes is on the breakout, as his ability to make a stretch pass up the ice will enable the Rangers forwards to turn defense into offense in a matter of seconds.

2nd Pair – Marc Staal (LD) and Adam Fox (RD)

In theory, Marc Staal is the perfect type of defenseman for Adam Fox to play with during the Harvard alum’s rookie year. However, the Marc Staal of 2019 is not the Marc Staal of 2009, which is well-known to Ranger fans. Staal is overpaid for his services – with a $5.7M cap hit – but his experience on Broadway as well as his slow, steady game may be a good fit for Fox, an offensive-minded defenseman that often joins the rush and is at his best with the puck on his stick.

Staal has lost a step in regards to his mobility on the ice, but it’s essential to realize that Fox will be the mobile defenseman of the two, as Staal will be the one covering up for mistakes that the 21-year old will inevitably make in his first season playing professional hockey. Staal has played all 12 of his NHL seasons with the Rangers and provides intangibles such as character and perseverance to the game of hockey after suffering several severe injuries during the earlier part of his career on Broadway. “Staalsy” also brings the experience of 840 career games to help mentor a group of relatively young and inexperienced blueliners, like Adam Fox, that may learn a thing or two from Staal. It’s also important to note that Staal partnered with Tony DeAngelo often in 2018-2019, the season in which DeAngelo finally broke out and recorded 30 points in 61 games. While his contract may be what keeps Staal on the roster and most likely in the top-four again, it’s important to note the experience he brings and the impact he can have in a mentor-like role for the Rangers.

3rd Pair – Libor Hajek (LD) and Tony DeAngelo (RD)

Libor Hajek will be a fascinating player to watch for the Rangers in 2019-2020 and a player that Ranger fans should quietly keep their eye on. Hajek was supposedly one of the centerpieces in the Ryan McDonagh/J.T. Miller blockbuster trade to Tampa last February and there were high hopes for Hajek in the AHL in 2018-2019. However, Hajek did not perform up to expectations in Hartford last season, suiting up for 58 games and recording just five assists and during his AHL stint. He was also a -26 for the Wolfpack last season, as there were concerns about his game on both ends of the rink.

However, after being called up to play for the Rangers, Hajek’s play seemed to improve. Hajek only played five games for the Blueshirts last season before separating his shoulder and missing the remainder of the season. That being said, Hajek was productive during his short stint in the Big Apple. He scored his first goal against the Devils on March 9th and was very solid while donning the Rangers sweater. Hajek was a +1 and received 21:44 TOI the game before his injury. It’s important to note that Hajek did not have a stable defense partner on the Wolf Pack, as the team came in last place in the division and allowed the third-most goals of any AHL team in 2018-2019.

Hajek seems like he can develop into a solid defenseman that can skate well and move the puck, as well as occasionally provide offense. Tony DeAngelo, another offensively inclined defenseman, appears to be the best partner for Hajek as he attempts to establish himself as an NHL-caliber blueliner. DeAngelo flourished under David Quinn last season and still needs to be re-signed by Rangers management, but it’s clear that DeAngelo has created a strong rapport with Coach Quinn and a spot on one of the Rangers power-play units. DeAngelo still has to work on his defensive game, but the offensive ability is present and this past season was important for “Tony D” in regards to cementing his ability to play at the NHL-level. I’d like to see DeAngelo suit up for all 82 games next season (if healthy) to see what the Rangers genuinely have with him. And following the Shattenkirk buyout, it’s clear that the Rangers envision DeAngelo on the back end when the puck drops on the 2019-2020 NHL regular season.

7th Defenseman – Ryan Lindgren/Brendan Smith

Who Jeff Gorton and David Quinn keep as the team’s seventh defenseman will depend on whether the organization decides to give Smith another opportunity at the NHL level or whether they’d rather bury him in the AHL, which would also give the Rangers a little bit of salary-cap flexibility. Lindgren was solid in limited minutes last season, but time will tell if he can earn a roster spot in 2019-2020.

All in all, the defense for the Rangers has a lot of “if’s” and “maybe’s” heading in 2019-2020, but this is what a rebuild truly is. David Quinn will have his hands full examining a tremendous amount of young talent on the Rangers roster when training camp kicks off in a few weeks.