Rangers add Shattenkirk, Pavelec in free agency

NEW YORK — The Rangers have agreed to deals with defenceman Kevin Shattenkirk and goalie Ondrej Pavelec on the opening day of free agency.

Shattenkirk was considered to be one of the top players available and fills a need on the team's blueline after the team bought out Dan Girardi and he is also a native of nearby New Rochelle.

Shattenkirk split last season between St. Louis and Washington and had 13 goals and 43 assists for 56 points in 80 games. He is one of four NHL defencemen who have at least 30 assists and 40 points in at least six of his first seven NHL seasons.

The Rangers also addressed their backup goalie situation by agreeing to a deal with veteran Ondrej Pavelec.

Pavelec will be the backup to Henrik Lundqvist after Antti Raanta was traded to Arizona last week.

Pavelec has played his entire career with the Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets franchise. He had a 3.55 goals-against average last season with a .888 save percentage in eight games in the NHL, and a 2.78 GAA and .917 save percentage in 18 games in the AHL.

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The Associated Press