Don’t’ be fooled by the name -- Shanny’s best offensive days are behind him. He’ll fill a valuable leadership role, see power-play time and still possess one of the league’s quickest releases, but look for Shanahan to see mostly third-line ice time. He posted three goals in his first five games and then just three in his final 28 contests after joining the club in late January. If you’re looking to round out your roster, choose a young player with upside over Shanahan.
Signed a one-year, $800,000 contract with the Devils in January 2009.
Shanahan stuck true to his word and will return to the Rangers for a second tour of duty. There was some speculation on whether Shanahan really wanted to return to New York, but he's here and he'll skate on the team's second line comprised of Sean Avery, Chris Drury and himself. Shanahan however, is coming back as damaged goods -- he suffered a concussion late last season, and it's uncertain at this time what effect this will have on him and his production coming into this season. With that said, there's no doubt about the potential -- if Shanny is returning to true form, he and his linemates can score all night with the talent that's on this roster.
37-year-old Shanny will be better than most people think, but the jury is still out on whether he will approach the same statistics (in 2005-06) playing on the second line in New York. However, keep a watch on Shanahan, at some point in the season he’ll likely get inserted onto Jagr’s unit. His fantasy value will peak then.
Give this guy a cheer when you see him on the ice, as he's been one of the players working tirelessly behind the scenes to make the game better than ever. (Shanahan was on the competition committee that worked on the new rule changes.) Shanahan no longer has the power he once possessed, and he's never been a burner to begin with, but he's still a handy, dangerous scorer from in close and especially on the power play, and he's got people here who will get him the puck (no matter if that's Datsyuk, Robert Lang, Steve Yzerman or someone else). Shanahan might not offer a ton of upside at age 36, but there's no reason why he can't toss up another 30 goals and 240 shots. He's a safe pick in the middle of your draft.
