Kevin Shattenkirk turned a strong run with the Tampa Bay Lighting into an excellent contract in NHL free agency as he signs a three-year deal with the Anaheim Ducks with a $3.9 M AAV. He turned a show-me deal at $1.75 million and rebuild his stock.
Related: Tampa Bay’s Kevin Shattenkirk: One Team’s Trash Is Another Team’s Gold
On July 1, 2017, the New York Rangers signed Kevin Shattenkirk in free agency to a huge deal. At the time, however, he was one of the NHL’s top offensive defensemen. It was a $6.65 million dollars per season for four seasons. Less than two years later, the Rangers bought out his contract.
The 31-year-old Shattenkirk fought back and had a redemption year with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2019-20. In the playoffs, he’s also done well. This contract is a tell that someone noticed his bounce-back and believed he is more the player who performed well with the Stanley Cup Champions and less the player who was severely overpaid and thrown out, considered to be a big mistake.
Shattenkirk is a character guy and an offensive defenseman that should produce points in an elevated role with the Ducks. He did a good job getting his new deal and Anaheim is probably a nice fit.
Next: Edmonton Oilers Re-Sign F Tyler Ennis
