Sam Hitchcock: The Story with Shattenkirk

I was extremely skeptical when Shattenkirk was signed. The contract was fine, but I thought it was a waste of time. In hindsight, I am glad to be wrong about this. Unfortunately, I think he has played himself out of Tampa and he was a longshot to re-sign before Covid flattened the salary cap. A shame really. I'd like to see him stay another year or two on a bargain contract, but his agent will likely be seeking more term and salary than Tampa is able to pay.

He's a good player. No surprise he was able to bounce back.

He's a good player. No surprise he was able to bounce back.
- Blackstrom2

He is better than billed defensively, and he still has decent mobility. He's not a top-pairing guy by any stretch, but he is good #4/#5 and PP guy. I think he's going to command more term than I would be willing to give him though. One or two year contract would be fine. He's probably going to want more.

I spent the month of February in Tampa, and got to watch 7 or 8 of their games while in town. I always thought that Shattenkirk was all "O", and no "D". I was very surprised to watch how well he was defending in his own zone. I am guessing that he earned himself a bigger contract for longer term than I would have expected.

He is better than billed defensively, and he still has decent mobility. He's not a top-pairing guy by any stretch, but he is good #4/#5 and PP guy. I think he's going to command more term than I would be willing to give him though. One or two year contract would be fine. He's probably going to want more.
- GalacticStone

Yes, I don't think I'd want to be the team to give him his next contract. But the 1 year fit was perfect for ya'll this year. He'll have a chip on his shoulder if he plays the Caps and/or Rags as well, I think.