It’s no secret that the Edmonton Oilers and Boston Bruins are two teams that have the same need. Both organizations are looking to add a a quality puck-moving defenseman. According to ESPN hockey insider Pierre LeBrun, both have inquired about Kevin Shattenkirk’s availability.
“The Blues are in a pretty good position of strength to probably move Shattenkirk...in an off-season in which there are a lot of teams looking for D,” said LeBrun on TSN 1040 radio. “Think of the Boston Bruins, think of the Edmonton Oilers. Those are among the teams that have already spoken to St. Louis here of late regarding Kevin Shattenkirk.”
Shattenkirk is under contract for one more season before he becomes an unrestricted free agent next summer.
The 27-year-old was a key piece of the team that made it to the Western Conference final this past postseason. He had 14 goals and 44 points in 72 games during the regular season and he added two goals and 11 points in 20 games during the playoffs.
Signing Shattenkirk to an extension isn’t necessarily out of the question for St. Louis. But with Alex Pietrangelo locked up for four more years and Jay Bouwmeester signed for three more seasons, extending him will be tough. Also, forwards like Vladimir Tarasenko, Paul Stastny and Jori Lehtera are all locked up for multiple seasons at high dollar amounts.
The Blues also need to come to terms with RFA Jaden Schwartz this off-season.
Related:
--Blues and pending UFA Backes ‘haven’t been able to find that common ground’
--Blues check Jaskin off big list of summer signings
--It sounds like Vladimir Sobotka rejoin the Blues next season
(h/t: The Score)