New York Rangers: Five Rangers with the most to lose this season.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 07: Pavel Buchnevich #89 of the New York Rangers skates the puck against the Philadelphia Flyers on April 7, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 07: Pavel Buchnevich #89 of the New York Rangers skates the puck against the Philadelphia Flyers on April 7, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)
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NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 18: Kevin Shattenkirk
NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 18: Kevin Shattenkirk

Kevin Shattenkirk

Many of the players on this list certainly face many issues surrounding their future with the team, however, Kevin Shattenkirk is locked in for the long term until the summer of 2021.

Shattenkirk, coming back to his native state of New York to play for the Rangers, signed a four-year deal last summer. After playing a little more than half the season, a knee injury knocked Shattenkirk out for the rest of the year, and the hopes of a winning season faded shortly after.

There is not exactly “risk” for Shattenkirk if he under performs, considering the Rangers are unlikely to move him too hastily. However, Shattenkirk certainly has something to prove this season.

Last season, Shattenkirk was looked at as what could have been the missing piece of the puzzle. The game changer. He was apparently injured in September, only to play through the injury until January. He would then undergo surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee.

The hope for Shattenkirk is that he returns to sharp form as soon as possible and takes a leading role for the team, otherwise, he may lose the faith of the management and the supporters, which could make him the next casualty of the rebuild.