Rumor: Shattenkirk finally reveals plans for free-agency

When the Washington Capitals traded for defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk in advance of the NHL’s Trade Deadline, the move was done to provide high-end depth to the team’s backend in advance of a deep Stanley Cup playoff run. Well…that never happened. For the most part, Shattenkirk played well in DC, but the Caps once again failed to live up to expectations.

In 19 regular season games, Shattenkirk produced two goals and 14 points for the Caps and added six points in 13 playoff games. He was the top producing blue liner on the team, which leads Washington Post reporter Isabelle Khurshudyan to speculate that the team may prioritize bringing Shattenkirk back into the fold. An idea that Shattenkirk himself seems to entertain.

“It’s been a crazy year and it seems like every sort of scenario has popped up,” Shattenkirk said. “I’d like to see what’s going on here. I know there’s a lot to do here and a lot for [Capitals GM Brian MacLellan] that he has on his plate, but I really enjoyed my time here. And again, at the same time, free agency is in front of me. It’s a great opportunity for me. It’s one that you don’t get many chances at as a player. I have to weigh out all my options. Until I get a little bit more of an idea of what’s ahead of me here in Washington and talk with him, then we’ll start to figure out what’s going on.”

General manager Brian MacLellan will have his hands full with contract negotiations for TJ Oshie, Karl Alzner and Justin Williams among others. Whether he has the resources or the stomach for a lengthy and expensive Shattenkirk contract remains to be seen, but it’s interesting to know that the smooth skating D man would be amenable to a return.