950-game NHL veteran Kevin Shattenkirk reportedly only wants to go to one team in free agency
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Graham Montgomery
September 6, 2024 (9:27 PM)
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Photo credit: NHL Network
The Edmonton Oilers are now a popular destination for players after they reached the Stanley Cup finals, and one veteran defenseman in particular is hoping to join the team.
Earlier today, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun revealed that veteran NHL defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk is looking for a place to play the 2024-25 season, despite already being 35 years old. He added that the player and his agent are actively in negotiations with 'a few teams.'
Following this news, fellow insider Elliotte Friedman gave us a more precise update on Shattenkirk's offseason work. Apparently, the right-shooting defender is hoping to sign with the Stanley Cup runner ups in the Edmonton Oilers. That being said, the team may not have space for him as the market is suddenly competitive, with players now excited about the possibility of playing for them. Typically, the Oilers are among several teams that struggle to avoid no-trade lists and attract free agents as few players want to play in Edmonton. According to Friedman though, that trend has reversed itself this summer.
Many fans across the league are not surprised by this move. After all, the Oilers are stacked up front with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and they came within just one game of winning the Stanley Cup. Of course players are going to want to go there now, even if they do have to live in Edmonton for half the year.
Shattenkirk appeared in 61 games last season after signing a one-year deal with the Boston Bruins. He put up 6 goals and 24 points in those games while averaging just under 16 minutes of ice time per game. In his career, he is up to 952 career games, split among seven teams. He has 103 career goals and 484 points. Shattenkirk was a 1st round pick of the Avalanche back in 2007.