NEW YORK (WFAN) -- The Rangers are shutting down Kevin Shattenkirk.
General manager Jeff Gorton on Tuesday announced that the veteran defenseman won't return this season after undergoing surgery for a torn meniscus in his left knee. He last played Jan. 18.
Shattenkirk appeared to be on the path to returning but suffered a minor setback earlier this month. Meanwhile, the Rangers (33-35-8) threw in the towel on their season at last month's trade deadline by dealing players such Rick Nash, Ryan McDonagh, J.T. Miller and Michael Grabner as they went into rebuild mode. They currently trail the Devils by 12 points for the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
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One of the top free agents available last offseason, Shattenkirk signed a four-year, $26.6 million contract with the Blueshirts. The 29-year-old skated in 46 games this season and registered 23 points (five goals and 18 assists). He played through the knee injury from late September until the surgery.
The Rangers also announced Tuesday they have sent goaltender Alexandar Georgiev down to AHL Hartford.