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In wake of Shattenkirk trade, an opportunity for Schmaltz

2012 NHL Entry Draft - Round One

PITTSBURGH, PA - JUNE 22: Jordan Schmaltz (C), 25th overall pick by the St. Louis Blues, poses with Blues representatives on stage during Round One of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft at Consol Energy Center on June 22, 2012 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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A first-round draft pick in 2012, Jordan Schmaltz has yet to play an NHL game for the St. Louis Blues.

But in the wake of the Kevin Shattenkirk trade, Schmaltz has been recalled from the AHL and could be in the Blues’ lineup soon.

“He is a puck-moving, right-shot defenseman that we are looking forward to seeing at this level,” GM Doug Armstrong said, per the Post-Dispatch.

Schmaltz -- the older brother of Blackhawks forward Nick Schmaltz -- has three goals and 22 assists in 42 games for the Chicago Wolves this season. It’s only his second professional season after spending three years at the University of North Dakota.

Read more: Have the Blackhawks finally found their first-line LW?

The Blues won’t expect Schmaltz to replace Shattenkirk, but holding down a spot on the third pairing behind fellow right shots Alex Pietrangelo and Colton Parayko is a realistic goal.

The Blues kick off a three-game road trip tomorrow in Winnipeg. If Schmaltz does indeed make his NHL debut, he’ll likely replace 27-year-old Roberto Bortuzzo, also a right shot.

Related: With Blues in ‘precarious playoff spot,’ it was time for Shattenkirk to go