Arizona Coyotes reportedly had interest in Kevin Shattenkirk

The Arizona Coyotes aren't resting on their laurels, with reports suggesting the team was interested in signing defenceman Kevin Shattenkirk.

Shattenkirk was recently bought out of his $6.65 million-a-year contract by the New York Rangers, but didn't remain a free agent for very long.

The 30-year-old right-handed blueliner signed a one-year, $1.75 million contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning, but he could have potentially brought his talents to the desert if reports are to be believed.

Richard Morin of AZCentral Sports posted on Twitter that league sources claimed the Coyotes were in on Shattenkirk, but were not willing to give him the deal he got from the Lightning.

Shattenkirk has struggled since he first joined the Original Six team, suffering injuries and seeing his offensive production drop greatly.

In his prime, the right-handed shot was good for 40+ points every season and had a career-high 56 points (13 goals, 44 assists) while splitting time with the St. Louis Blues and Washington Capitals just before his move to the Big Apple.

With a fresh start, Shattenkirk will be hoping to put in performances that saw him coveted as highly as he was.

For the Coyotes, Shattenkirk could have been the ideal replacement for a player such as Alex Goligoski.

The expensive 33-year-old blueliner could be on his way out of the desert and Shattenkirk's physical style of play and potential offensive upside could have fit in well with Rick Tocchet's system.

The biggest takeaway from these reports should be that general manager John Chayka is still actively looking to improve the team, including a defensive corps that was one of the stingiest in the league last season.

There is a long wait until the 2019/20 NHL gets started so any potential additions to the roster will be considered carefully by the Arizona Coyotes hierarchy, but the interest in the veteran defenceman certainly shows intent from the organisation.