1 trade every NHL team should make

Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins have long coveted a puck moving defenseman who can play huge minutes. While Kevin Shattenkirk will have a number of suitors, the Bruins make the most sense for him. The Blues might not have any interest in trading Shattenkirk, but if they do, Ryan Spooner would be a perfect guy for them to target.

St. Louis has to rely on inexpensive forwards because of their cap situation. Spooner is still relatively cheap and he likely will be through his next contract because he hasn’t proven much. He would mesh well with the Blues, providing them with a speedy forward with lots of untapped potential.

This trade is assuming Shattenkirk would be willing to sign an extension. If he’s not, there’s no reason for the Bruins to part with Spooner for him. But if he is, losing one of their young forwards is justifiable because Shattenkirk is a rare talent who can influence games on a nightly basis.

It sets the Bruins up well for life after Zdeno Chara, which is going to start pretty soon. For many years, Boston has been known for their physicality, in large part thanks to their giant captain. Once Chara is gone, the Bruins need a new identity, one revolving around skill and speed. Shattenkirk fits in with this philosophy perfectly.