Buffalo Sabres reportedly interested in Kevin Shattenkirk
By Paul Taylor
According to Darren Dreger, the Buffalo Sabres have interest in Kevin Shattenkirk, but how likely is the defenseman to end up in Western New York?
It’s not exactly a newsflash to say the Buffalo Sabres need help on the blue line. And despite picking up a couple of defensemen in this year’s draft, both prospects are a long way from being in a position to actually help the team.
With this in mind, the Sabres still need to look elsewhere to boost their defense, especially if they hope to challenge for the playoffs in 2017-18. The question is, who should they go for?
Courtesy of Darren Dreger, we’re now aware of at least one of their apparent targets. As reported by WGR 550, the TSN Hockey Insider has indicated the Sabres are interested in Kevin Shattenkirk.
Of course, just because a team is interested in a player, it doesn’t necessarily mean much, or that it will even come to anything. However, given Dreger’s reputation, there is at least some validity to the speculation.
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Certainly, Shattenkirk would provide an immediate boost to the Sabres’ blue line. However, it is worth noting he has built a reputation for being better offensively, compared to in front of his own net.
Regardless, it is understandable why Buffalo would be interested in the 28-year old, whose veteran leadership would be extremely beneficial. It’s also worth noting he’s coming off a campaign where he registered career-highs in assist (43) and overall points (56), despite averaging his lowest ice-time in six seasons.
Assuming the Sabres do intend to pursue their initial interest in Shattenkirk, they will face a tall order convincing him to come to Western New York. He will officially become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and you imagine he will have a lot of suitors for his services.
This in turn leads to wondering how much Buffalo would be prepared to offer? According to sportrac, they have around $25.5 million available in cap space, so the money is certainly there, at least as things stand.
You can pretty much assume at least one team will make a six-year, $42 million offer to the 2007 14th overall draft pick. However, this could all end up being a moot point, if he does not even want to join the Sabres.
One last factor to consider, is Pierre LeBrun’s report on June 7, indicating Shattenkirk would meet his agents by the end of that week, to narrow down his desired destinations. Admittedly this is a reach, but in theory, if the Sabres are still interested as of right now, it could indicate they are one of the preferred teams still on the list.
Overall though, that chance is still a slim one, with speculation indicating the New Rochelle, New York native would rather play closer to home. However, you have to be in it to win it, and the Sabres shouldn’t be criticized for pursuing him.
Next: Reviewing every pick in the Sabres' 2017 draft
Leave aside the chances of Shattenkirk actually signing with the Sabres. Would you personally like to see him in Buffalo or not, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments section.