Shattenkirk hopes Blues trade him sooner rather than later
Rocky W. Widner/NHL / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Kevin Shattenkirk figured he'd be an ex-St. Louis Blues defenseman by now.
Let's break this down in chronological order, courtesy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Jeremy Rutherford:
- Before last week's draft, Blues general manager Doug Armstrong and Shattenkirk's camp talked a long-term extension. The defender, making $4.25 million against the cap in 2016-17, is a restricted free agent after next season.
- The figures were too rich for the Blues' blood, so the focus shifted to trading the 27-year-old.
- Shattenkirk's agent appreciated the Blues' straightforwardness, but expected his client to be dealt during draft weekend.
- Armstrong said he didn't come "anywhere close" to dealing Shattenkirk in Buffalo, stating that perhaps his price is too high.
- There's no timeline, and Shattenkirk's agent wouldn't comment on whether potential preferred destinations have been discussed, or whether Shattenkirk's been able to talk contract with a future employer.
In the end, Shattenkirk's camp believes a trade is "inevitable." And based on that fact, they'd prefer a trade happen over the summer, so Shattenkirk can settle into his new home and take care of the hassles that come with moving during his time off.
A former first-round pick of the Colorado Avalanche, Shattenkirk has blossomed in St. Louis. His numbers are impressive:
Season | GP | Points | PP points | Ice time |
---|---|---|---|---|
2011-12 | 81 | 43 | 18 | 21:36 |
2013 | 48 | 23 | 9 | 21:18 |
2013-14 | 81 | 45 | 26 | 20:34 |
2014-15 | 56 | 44 | 25 | 22:34 |
2015-16 | 72 | 44 | 26 | 22:25 |
Shattenkirk set career highs in goals (14) and power-play points last season. There's a reason why Armstrong's asking for the moon.
- With h/t to Pro Hockey Talk
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