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Kevin Shattenkirk ties game with his first goal of the season (Video)

By Dave Stevenson

Jan 4, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (22) shoots the puck in the game against the Ottawa Senators during the second period at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (22) shoots the puck in the game against the Ottawa Senators during the second period at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kevin Shattenkirk scored his first goal of the year to tie the Chicago Blackhawks at one on opening night. 

After an offseason defined by trade rumors and questions about his contract, St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk has to be happy to be back on the ice.

The feeling’s probably mutual. Shattenkirk scored his first goal of the 2016-17 season with a power play blast that flew by Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford.

"GOAL! The @StlouisBlues tie this one up in Chicago on a goal from Kevin Shattenkirk. 1-1 #NHLFaceoff https://t.co/tU7BeQvxJw— NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) October 13, 2016"

Shattenkirk might not finish the 2016-17 season with the Blues, but he starts his season off with a bang with a nice blast. The Blues likely won’t be able to find a way to keep him thanks to power play goals like this. St. Louis is already paying Alex Pietrangelo and Jay Bouwmeester a lot of money, and has to worry about paying Colton Parayko once he becomes a restricted free agent.

If this is truly Shattenkirk’s last season with the Blues, he made sure to start it off right. Shattenkirk’s goal is the 56th goal of his career, and 28th on the power play. He was originally drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the 2007 NHL Draft, but was traded to the Blues for Erik Johnson. It has been a trade that worked out well for the Blues.

Related Story: See highlights from Auston Matthews' incredible debut

Shattenkirk will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2016-17 NHL season. Regardless of where he goes, he’ll get paid because he can score.

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