New York Rangers Made Minor Trade Offer for Kevin Shattenkirk

Elliotte Friedman reported earlier today that the Rangers made a trade offer for Kevin Shattenkirk. The offer was small and did not get the job done, but still tells us a lot about the Rangers.

The New York Rangers failed to acquire Kevin Shattenkirk at the NHL Trade Deadline, but they did make an attempt. The attempt was minor at best, as explained by Friedman:

"The Rangers, sitting in a position of power with Shattenkirk, are not believed to have offered more than a second-round pick and B- or C-level prospect for him."

An offer like that would consist of a second round pick and, say, Ryan Gropp for Shattenkirk. Even the smallest offers on the internet included more. Let’s take a look at what this means for the Rangers.

Jeff Gorton Runs The Show

First of all, we can now say with complete certainty that this is Jeff Gorton’s team. Glen Sather offered first round picks like they were poisonous to the Rangers in the past. Now, Jeff Gorton had the opportunity to acquire a top defenseman for the present and future. Rather than simply agreeing to surrender one more first round pick, Gorton held onto his first rounder.

While some rightfully wondered who was running the ship before the deadline, the hard stance on the first rounder answered that question. This is Jeff Gorton’s team.

That’s fantastic news moving forward, assuming Gorton understands defense better than his predecessor. That’s the major question lingering over Gorton’s head.

Related Story: Trade Deadline Breakdown

The Rangers Believe They Can Get Kevin Shattenkirk In June

Kevin Shattenkirk must be the Rangers’ top target to fill their first defensive pair vacancy. He wants to play in New York, he plays on the right side, he’s a power-play monster, and he was and likely soon will be available.

While the Rangers did not wish to surrender a first round pick, doing so for a player that would fill multiple roles for the team would have been wise. Considering the Rangers spent much more to receive much less in the past, the small offer raises questions.

However, it seems Jeff Gorton believes what everyone else believes. Kevin Shattenkirk has long been rumored to be set on being a Ranger the second he can be one. If Gorton truly believes that’s the case, giving up assets for him would be unwise. The Rangers’ small offer speaks to Gorton’s belief that Shattenkirk will come over in the off-season.

Jeff Gorton Knows How He Feels About This Team

Stick with us on this one, as it’s admittedly contradictory. The light offer for Shattenkirk shows that Jeff Gorton knows how he feels about this year’s team.

However, we don’t know what that means. Let’s explain.

It could mean that Gorton is so high on this year’s team that he didn’t feel the need to spend big on Shattenkirk when the team didn’t need a major addition anyway. Brendan Smith could do enough and cost less, for example.

Or, it could mean Gorton believed the Rangers not to be legitimate Stanley Cup contenders, so he did not wish to pay a premium price only to see the team bow out early.

Next: Rangers' Post-Trade Deadline Storylines

Gorton knows where he stands on this year’s team, but we do not know where he stands. Regardless, the Rangers did make an offer, but didn’t break the bank. That says a lot about Gorton and the team moving forward.

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