Eklund: Shattenkirk Signs with Tampa. 1/1.75

They can have Girardi 2.0 - / Cbus exposed Tampa’s D and now Bolts add another complete stiff back there-

They love our trash aside from Mcd

Eklund: Shattenkirk Signs with Tampa. 1/1.75
- Eklund

Good move. He'll play on the third pair and 2nd PP.

I guess this means that they don't have to rush Foote into the lineup.

1 year, low AAV. Good pickup for him to prove himself this year. As a Lightning fan I can't be upset at all. Little risk but possibly a decent reward.

They can have Girardi 2.0 - / Cbus exposed Tampa’s D and now Bolts add another complete stiff back there-
- dozerD10

Girardi and Shattenkirk are entire different types of players and will likely have an entirely different role to play defensively. The only similarity is that both were bought out due to insufficient cap management by the rangers.

A few days ago Ek listed New Jersey as the favourite, despite having an abundance of RHD. Other suggestions included Pittsburgh, Detroit, NYI, Montreal, Toronto, and Florida. So basically half the Eastern Conference which Shattenkirk clearly indicated was his preference. Unfortunately most of these teams made zero sense. Next time just list the entire Conference to increase the odds of being correct!!

Great move by Tampa.

roflmao - Tampa Bay Rangers!

Girardi and Shattenkirk are entire different types of players and will likely have an entirely different role to play defensively. The only similarity is that both were bought out due to insufficient cap management by the rangers.
- headyhedman77

And don't forget also they both suck @ D ... that's important.

roflmao - Tampa Bay Rangers!
- StephaneRicher

It'll be less funny when they win the cup. I mean Shatty isn't going to put them over the top per se but they are stacked from their non-Ranger talent plus use the Blueskirts as their farm team. Seems like a good system.

It'll be less funny when they win the cup. I mean Shatty isn't going to put them over the top per se but they are stacked from their non-Ranger talent plus use the Blueskirts as their farm team. Seems like a good system.
- Queenie_5_hole

Tampa was supposed to win the Cup last year too. And the year before that. Talent is just one part of the equation.

They love our trash aside from Mcd
- nyrangers2

McD was exposed and totally outplayed in the Columbus series. He is a good player but I never thought he was great. I was not upset when he was dealt. Maybe the C weighed him down like when Leetch wore the C.

Tampa was supposed to win the Cup last year too. And the year before that. Talent is just one part of the equation.
- gergeswillems

This. They still have some question marks and still have to sign Point. Hedman and Stamkos are both coming off amazing seasons, but both are starting to approach 30. One thing is for sure, they might have to win within the next couple years, or their window could start shutting.

And don't forget also they both suck @ D ... that's important.
- dozerD10

Girardi sucked at D because he was old and no longer viable, Shattenkirk is less effective in the defensive zone but counter-balances that by contributing in the offensive zone. Offensive contribution from depth players is critical and hopefully this provides that opportunity.

I guess this means that they don't have to rush Foote into the lineup.
- jvar17

Dman Foote is 3rd pairing. Forward Foote looked good last week

1 year, low AAV. Good pickup for him to prove himself this year. As a Lightning fan I can't be upset at all. Little risk but possibly a decent reward.
- stammerman

He’s been a mess for 3-4 years. He was made to look good in St. Louis because of their great dmen.

Great move by Tampa.
- Return of the Roar

Huh? Do u follow more than Chicago? He’s a train wreck. Tampa definitely didn’t need another mistake on defense.

McD was exposed and totally outplayed in the Columbus series. He is a good player but I never thought he was great. I was not upset when he was dealt. Maybe the C weighed him down like when Leetch wore the C.
- jnyfive

McD has been horrible in last 2 playoffs seasons

Wonderful. Just what the Lightning need. Another broken-down, declining defenseman.

Lovely.

This. They still have some question marks and still have to sign Point. Hedman and Stamkos are both coming off amazing seasons, but both are starting to approach 30. One thing is for sure, they might have to win within the next couple years, or their window could start shutting.
- 2sticks1puck

I didn't like what I saw from the Tampa players once Columbus began hitting them. No push back. The skill guys like Stamkos, Point and Kucherov need to play more greasy to be successful in the playoffs. Hedman really was underwhelming. Too many times he'd be beaten to the puck or turn it over from fear of being hit.

If Tampa can match their opponents snarl and tenacity then their skill will shine through. Until then they're a bunch of ice dancers who don't want to get dirty. Perimeter hockey doesn't work in the playoffs no matter how much skill you have. Red Wings fans learned this painful lesson many years ago. Ovechkin and the Caps learned. So can Tampa. Will they do it? I don't know.

You don't get to beat up on Detroit and Ottawa in the playoffs. Cooper has to do a better job of adjusting his game plan too. His stubbornness hurt his team against Columbus. Stop being so in love with your regular season record and respect your opponent. Pride comes before the fall.

Tampa was supposed to win the Cup last year too. And the year before that. Talent is just one part of the equation.
- gergeswillems

That's true, but it's a (frank)ing hard trophy to win. Things don't go as planned. Look how long it to the Capitols to break thru. It happens, but I understand questions about Tampa's toughness. People also like to blame their coach. It's reasonable to point out those concerns but it doesn't mean they can't win.

That's true, but it's a (frank)ing hard trophy to win. Things don't go as planned. Look how long it to the Capitols to break thru. It happens, but I understand questions about Tampa's toughness. People also like to blame their coach. It's reasonable to point out those concerns but it doesn't mean they can't win.
- Queenie_5_hole

No. It doesn't mean they can't win. But the same old excuses why they can't win won't cut it anymore.

So, as long as he is in Tampa does he get to take advantage of the Florida taxes for the remaining contract the Rangers will be paying him? If so, well played sir, well played...