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New York Rangers Stock Market: The downs of the season (so far)

By Victoria Ranieri

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMEBER 10: Fredrik Claesson #33 of the New York Rangers and Mika Zibanejad #93 celebrate after defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-4 in a shootout on November 10, 2018 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMEBER 10: Fredrik Claesson #33 of the New York Rangers and Mika Zibanejad #93 celebrate after defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-4 in a shootout on November 10, 2018 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 10: Kevin Shattenkirk #22 of the New York Rangers skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena on December 10, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images)”n
TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 10: Kevin Shattenkirk #22 of the New York Rangers skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena on December 10, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images)”n /

Down: Kevin Shattenkirk

Most of the Rangers’ glaring issues come on the defensive side of things, and Kevin Shattenkirk is no exception.

Kevin Shattenkirk was signed in the 2017 off season on July 1st. At the time, the Rangers believed their Stanley Cup window was still open and thought Shattenkirk could push them over the hump. While it was noted that Shattenkirk wasn’t exactly a shut down defenseman, he was a power play specialist who could get the job done in his own end.

In his first season, Shattenkirk’s struggles could be blamed on a torn meniscus he suffered in training camp.  Despite the injury and the fact that he didn’t sign with the Rangers for the rebuild,   he was expected to be much better to start this season.

However, this was not the case. Shattenkirk’s all around game has been a mess so far. In 34 games, he has just one goal and nine assists making for 10 points. The  offensive specialist has been downright horrendous at times in his own end, leading to disappointment in both ends of the ice.

Unfortunately, it may be time for Shattenkirk and the Rangers to part ways. Yes, he has a modified no trade clause, but with the state of the team he may waive it. A change of scenery may be best for the once star defenseman, especially because things aren’t looking up in Rangerstown any time soon.

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