This former Boston Bruins defenseman’s market may start to heat up.
Former Boston Bruins defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk remains without a home one month into free agency. While he posted a decent six goals and 24 points in 61 games for the Bruins last season in a depth role, no club has taken a flier on him — at least, not yet.
Shattenkirk’s market has the potential to improve, as another top free-agent defenseman found a new home on Sunday: Oliver Kylington. The 27-year-old signed a one-year, $1.05 million contract with the Colorado Avalanche.
When noting that Kylington was one of the top defenders still on the market, teams needing more defensive depth could now look toward Shattenkirk. This is especially so if they want a potential power-play quarterback on the point at a low price.
While Shattenkirk’s days as a top-four defenseman have passed, he showed with the Bruins that he can still be a service bottom-pairing offensive defenseman. Because of this, it would not be shocking if he earned a one-year pact or even a professional tryout (PTO) before the start of training camp.
Nevertheless, with another top free-agent defender, Kylington, off the board, it will be intriguing to see what happens with Shattenkirk from here.