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NHL Trade Rumors: Blues could be forced to trade Kevin Shattenkirk

By Dave Stevenson

Dec 31, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (22) skates with the puck in the game against the Minnesota Wild during the third period at Scottrade Center. The Minnesota Wild defeat the St. Louis Blues 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (22) skates with the puck in the game against the Minnesota Wild during the third period at Scottrade Center. The Minnesota Wild defeat the St. Louis Blues 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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The St. Louis Blues could be forced to trade defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk due to financial issues

The St. Louis Blues season has been a bit disappointing. They were expected to be Stanley Cup contenders, but currently find themselves barely hanging onto the third place spot in the Central Division with a 23-14-6 record. The Minnesota Wild currently sit two points behind with three games in hand against the Blues. This disappointing season could have adverse effects on their future as the Blues might be forced to trade away stud defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk.

From ESPN.com (insider):

"Multiple sources have said Shattenkirk’s name is in play on the trade front, not because the Blues don’t like him, but because they probably can’t afford to keep him when his contract runs out after next season. The Blues are a budget team, and they’re already paying Alex Pietrangelo and Jay Bouwmeester top-pairing salaries on long-term deals."

The Blues probably can’t afford to pay three defensemen like top pairing defensemen. Shattenkirk absolutely deserves to be paid like one when you look at what he has accomplished. He has 223 points in 371 career games and he is still only 26 years old. The Blues certainly could use a skilled forward, especially after they traded T.J. Oshie and only have a goalie prospect and Troy Brouwer to show for it.

If the Blue are interested in trading Kevin Shattenkirk, there will most likely be a ton of interest in him.

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