Kevin Shattenkirk, Rangers Reportedly Agree to 4-Year Contract

Defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk cashed in with a big free-agent contract Saturday, as he agreed to a four-year deal with the New York Rangers.

Shattenkirk will be due approximately $6.65 million per season, making the deal worth $26.6 million in total, according to Frank Seravalli of TSN (h/t SportsCentre).

The 28-year-old rearguard is coming off a season that saw him score 13 goals and set a career high with 56 points split between the Washington Capitals and St. Louis Blues.      

Shattenkirk spent parts of seven seasons with the Blues before getting traded to the Caps prior to the Feb. 28 deadline.

While Shattenkirk put up 14 points in 19 regular-season games for the Capitals, he struggled in the playoffs to the tune of six points in 13 games.

Shattenkirk is among the NHL's premier offensive defensemen, but his defensive ability has been questionable in recent years.

After posting a plus rating in four straight seasons from 2011-12 through 2014-15, Shattenkirk is a combined minus-21 over the past two.

Despite that, there was a huge free-agent market for him because of his consistency as a puck-moving blueliner.

The New Rochelle, New York, native has put up at least 43 points in each of the past five seasons in which he has played more than 48 games.

He also has four straight years with at least 25 power-play points at his disposal, making him one of the top power-play quarterbacks in the league.

In what was widely considered a weak free-agent class, Shattenkirk was one of the biggest names and most accomplished players available.

He doesn't come without his deficiencies as a defender, but his ability to carry the puck into the zone and make accurate stretch passes makes him invaluable as an offensive contributor.

With Shattenkirk's arrival, the Rangers promise to be even more dangerous on the rush and with the man advantage in 2017-18.