NHL Trade Rumors: Capitals to acquire Kevin Shattenkirk from Blues

The Washington Capitals have reportedly acquired Kevin Shattenkirk from the St. Louis Blues. 

Entering the 2017 NHL trade deadline, the Washington Capitals are the favorites to win the Stanley Cup. They aren’t screwing around either, as according to various sources, they have traded for St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. He’s the top rental defenseman available.

If this is true, this is a huge move. This might be more about keeping Shattenkirk from the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers than anything else. The Capitals had to pay a very expensive price for him, but at this point, there’s no such thing as overpaying for them. Washington wants a Stanley Cup.

Shattenkirk immediately upgrades the Caps blue line, making them borderline lethal. Washington already has the league’s fifth best power play. Shattenkirk is well known for his prowess on the power play, so they should be even better. With six top defensemen, the Caps are giving themselves an excellent chance of winning their first Stanley Cup.

Of course, they didn’t get him for free. Losing Zach Sanford is a huge loss. Washington liked him a lot and he’s a promising forward. A first round pick and a second round pick is a lot to give up. But for the Capitals, if it helps them get the Stanley Cup, dear goodness the price is worth it.

Shattenkirk has 284 points in 471 career games. This season, he has 42 points and 11 goals. Shattenkirk is a dynamic offensive threat who adds a lot to the Capitals. His defense isn’t the best, but they have a Vezina Trophy winner in net in Braden Holtby.

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Props to the Caps for swinging for the fences. Even if they strike out in the postseason, it’s far better to go down swinging than to go down looking.