Whether the St. Louis Blues hold a playoff spot or not, it seems more likely than not Kevin Shattenkirk is moved at the deadline.
In this edition of the hotstove, we discuss which team would be the best fit for Shattenkirk should he be dealt.
Todd Cordell
Assuming the Blues want to move Shattenkirk out of the conference, rather than facing him while they try and squeeze into the playoffs, there are two teams that stand out: Boston and the New York Rangers.
If the Bruins go on a bit of a run leading up to the deadline I could see them as a legitimate option. That said, if they're hanging onto their spot by a thread and all the teams chasing have handfuls of games in hand it'll be tough to part with the assets to get him.
That's why I think the Rangers make the most sense. They desperately need to improve their top-4 -- I mean, they have Nick Holden, Marc Staal and Dan Girardi(!) on the top two pairings -- and Shattenkirk has long been rumored to want to play for the Rangers. That, of course, means there's a solid chance he's not a pure rental and the Rangers could still feel good parting with quality assets to get him.
Their forward crop is insane, Ryan McDonagh is really good and, though he has struggled, Henrik Lundqvist is Henrik Lundqvist. If you can add a guy like Shattenkirk to the mix, you have to do it.
…‹Peter Tessier This is an interesting question because is Shattenkirk a true rental accessory piece or is he a more integrated piece into a roster? I see two camps in this trade, those who want the former and those who want the latter.
If you are a team like Anaheim, San Jose, Washington, Pittsburgh you add him as the former. If you are a team like the Oilers, Ottawa or Columbus you might fit the latter and see a longer term role and future signing with him. Better make sure you know what those contract demands are.
In all honesty, I'm not sure who wants him or where he might go. I just don't see a lot being paid for a rental this year with the cap being flat and the expansion draft happening. Your guess is as good as mine on where he ends up because I just don't think teams wanting that 'extra piece' are going give up a much for him, or anyone.
I have to say something so let's say Columbus because who knows what they might do at the deadline or in the playoffs.
Recent posts: Will the Blues make the playoffs?