New York: Kevin Shattenkirk could've got more money but took less to join the New York Rangers.
Joe Thornton could've got a multiyear deal from someone but wanted to stay with the San Jose Sharks.
Brian Campbell and Patrick Sharp could've got more money the past two summers but took the Chicago discount to return the Blackhawks.
The NHL is becoming more like the NBA with top players forgoing longer, big-money contracts to pick their preferred destination, a trend that has added a new wrinkle to free agency.
"It's their opportunity to go to where they want to go and sometimes you might have to take a little bit less money to go there," Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill said. "Do you want to go to a good team? Is it a city you want to go to? Is it where your family wants to be? ... It's players finding the right fit for where they want to be and having the money that they can live with."
Shattenkirk is not exactly LeBron James, but the New Rochelle, New York, native filled that role on Saturday when he turned down offers of seven years and over $30 million to sign with the Rangers for $26.6 million over just four years. The 28-year-old defenseman felt like it may be his only opportunity to "fulfill a lifelong dream" and wants to help pull off what LeBron did in Cleveland.
"No matter where you go you're trying to win your team a Stanley Cup," Shattenkirk said.
