Pretty absurd to think Vlad could ever net a first

I understand the goal of ridding these cap constraints, but I think you need to understand that the Rangers need to pay to make that happen - not the team accepting the bad contract.

You might be able to get a 3rd for Namestnikov. Maybe.

Yeah you can probably get a third for Namestikov, as long as it's mid to late in the 3rd. Or a little earlier if you retain.
Shattenkirk probably gets you even less, so unless you absolutely need the cap space and ice time (for instance if you trade for Trouba), you might as well hold on and see if he increases his value. With better play and less time and money left on his deal, maybe you get something st the deadline of next offseason.