Shanahan Back?

Well, it looks like he could be back.

According to our good friend Sam Weinman Shanahan was at the team’s informal skate this morning.

No deal has been made, but Shanahan was invited to participate in the skate by Coach Tom Renney and GM Glen Sather.

Shanahan says that his agent is talking to Sather currently about finalizing a contract.

The Rangers have little room to maneuver, they have just over $700,000 left in salary cap room. So some finagling would have to be done to get Shanny back. But, according to Weinman, the impression around Rangers Camp is that a deal is imminent.

Shanahan turns 40 this January and would be a great leader in the locker room if he does return. The question is, can he sustain a full season?

We saw last year that Shanny had trouble with fatigue and the pace of the game later in the season. But he was also third on the team with 23 goals.

It will be interesting to see where he fits in if he comes back.

Personally, I think Shanny can bring a lot to this team if he can learn to manage the season and his body properly.

If he can do that, and the Rangers can have a Brendan Shanahan who is healthy and fit come playoff time, than I don’t think you can deny that he’s a benefit to this team.

We’ll have to see what happens…if he even gets signed.

I love Shanny’s heart, but if he’s going to break down like last year then you have to question how valuable he’ll be.

If he can pace himself, ala Jaromir Jagr, than that’s a different story.