Rangers Roundup: Kravtsov, Shattenkirk, and UFA updates
The latest news and buzz concerning the New York Rangers.
Kravstov Update
Vitali Kravstov was heading home to see his dad after a long and grueling hockey season. Larry Brooks supplies the latest update here:
The Rangers are continuing to work on bringing Vitali Kravtsov to New York so the 2018 first-rounder can spend time around the team and acclimate himself to NHL surroundings, but it is no sure thing that will happen, according to individuals with knowledge of the situation.
NY POST
The article goes on to explain that signing an ELC or ATO to try out in Hartford are unlikely. It should also be noted that his contract with Traktor expires on April 30th.
Shattenkirk Buyout?
Also from Larry Brooks:
If you’re wondering whether these final 15 games have meaning for the Rangers, check on Kevin Shattenkirk, the defenseman who is essentially fighting to save his career in New York. Too dramatic a scenario? Not really, for if the 30-year-old defenseman does not markedly improve his play this final month, management will have no other choice than to seriously consider a buyout of No. 22’s contract halfway through its four-year term.
NY POST
I strongly disagree that the Rangers would consider buying out the only veteran defenseman that can QB the PP. Especially since they have money and better buyout options in aging vets Marc Staal and Brendan Smith.
While the Rangers get a huge savings next season when they don’t really need it, they get absolutely killed with a $6M cap penalty in year 2 of the buyout. No, Thank You!
Panarin and Karlsson updates
Rumors are out there that both the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Islanders are going to give UFA, Artemi Panarin whatever he wants. This will undoubtedly raise his signing price.
Also, Erik Karlsson can negotiate a new contract with SJ as of March 1st. 10 days later and it appears this is going nowhere. Sharks GM may already be thinking about moving on. Rumor is Karlsson wants 11-13M a season for at least 7 years.
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