Kevin ShattenkirkD | Bruins

Shattenkirk picked the Bolts because of HedmanSeptember 28, 2020 | 07:02 AM

Kevin Shattenkirk picked the Tampa Bay Lightning to play with this season because he wanted to play with Victor Hedman. Analysis: Shattenkirk had his contract bought out by the Rangers in the 2019 off-season, making him an unrestricted free agent and his choice was to play with Hedman. "I think I certainly had high standards for him coming into the season," Shattenkirk said. "I've always kind of thought he's been the best if not one of the best players and defensemen in our League for a long time. I just think that his drive to be the best, I think that's something that when you look at some of the best players in the League, they want these challenges and they want these opportunities to prove it. I think he rises to the occasion in the toughest moments. Just his, when you go to his abilities, to play the game at his size and be able to skate the way that he does and have the skillset is unbelievable. It's fun to watch and great to be able to play alongside him now." Shattenkirk is having a great post-season with three goals and 13 points in 24 games. He also is a plus-eight and is one game away from having his name etched on the Stanley Cup.