Kevin Shattenkirk was supposed to be traded prior to the 2016 NHL Draft. Despite dozens of rumors, a trade never developed and Shattenkirk has remained with the Blues, watching the team deal away Brian Elliott while failing to sign David Backes and Troy Brouwer. Shattenkirk and his agent admitted they were surprised a trade never happened.
With the new season rapidly approaching, the Blues have seemingly positioned themselves in an awkward spot where they may have to keep Shattenkirk at least through a portion of the year in order to remain as competitive as possible. Still, some rumors never die.
John Buccigross thinks Shattenkirk to the Bruins is still an option.
To Boston for Krejci is floating out there. https://t.co/am8HFfitOm
— BucciOT.Com (@Buccigross) July 26, 2016
Shattenkirk has been linked to the Bruins for months. Originally, it was stated the Blues didn’t want Shattenkirk in the Western Conference and were interested in a few different names on Boston’s roster, including David Krejci. Now that Backes has joined the Bruins, it’s possible the Bruins feel they’re in a better position to part with one of their other forwards.
Despite shedding some veterans who were going to command big deals, the Blues still won’t be able to sign Shattenkirk to a long-term deal barring a massive surprise. They will have to move him and it might be best to do it sooner than later to avoid any sort of major mid-season deal which could either throw off the team’s chemistry during a critical run or place the Blues in a spot where they’re forced to take a deal they’re not comfortable taking.
The Blues have already admitted they may have to take a step back before taking a step forward. Does that mean they’re willing to part with Shattenkirk before the season starts?
