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NHL Trade Rumors: Oilers and Bruins interested in Kevin Shattenkirk

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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The Oilers and Bruins, as expected, have both expressed interest in trading for Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk.

Due to expensive contracts already being given to Vladimir Tarasenko, Alex Pietrangelo and Jay Bouwmeester, the Blues likely don’t have the cap space necessary to be able to extend defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. Shattenkirk has one year left on his current deal before becoming an unrestricted free agent. They are expected to at least entertain trading him, but they’d need a big return to do so. As expected, two of the teams interested in Shattenkirk are the Boston Bruins and the Edmonton Oilers.

“The Blues are in a pretty good position of strength to probably move Shattenkirk,” said NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, via TSN 1040. “Think of the Boston Bruins, think of the Edmonton Oilers. Those are among the teams that have already spoken to St. Louis here of late regarding Shattenkirk.”

Shattenkirk makes a ton of sense for both teams. The Oilers have a desperate need for blue liners. They also need right-handed options and a power play quarterback. Shattenkirk fills both of those requirements and would likely thrive playing with Edmonton’s skilled forwards. Boston has an equally desperate need for defensemen, particularly ones who can move the puck and be productive. Once again, Shattenkirk fills both of those requirements.

A Shattenkirk trade could be coming very shortly. The Oilers have expressed a willingness to move the fourth overall pick should they get someone who makes their team better back while the Bruins have two first round picks. St. Louis could trade him as soon as this weekend at the 2016 NHL Draft.

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