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NHL Trade Rumors: Capitals, Penguins bidding for Kevin Shattenkirk

By Dave Stevenson

Oct 13, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (22) in action during the third period against the Minnesota Wild at Scottrade Center. The Blues won the game 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (22) in action during the third period against the Minnesota Wild at Scottrade Center. The Blues won the game 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports /
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Could Kevin Shattenkirk be heading to either the Washington Capitals or Pittsburgh Penguins? 

Kevin Shattenkirk of the St. Louis Blues is the crown jewel of the 2017 NHL trade deadline. He’s an offensive playmaker on the blue line who can have a huge impact. Very few defensemen like him are made available, let alone at the trade deadline. However, with the Blues’ uncertain future and rental prices going up, he’s getting a lot of attention. According to NHL Network’s Brian Lawton, the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins are bidding fiercely for him.

It’s hard to think how this could get any better for the Blues. Should they choose to trade Shattenkirk, they have a perfect bidding war. Moreover, the defenseman has long been linked to the New York Rangers, so they could enter the bidding war as well. It’s quite likely Shattenkirk will command at least a first round pick and a top prospect. More draft picks might need to be included as well.

Shattenkirk would help either team. More importantly, should one of the Capitals or Penguins acquire him, this keeps their rival from getting him. Pittsburgh probably needs him more, as they’ve had a lot of injuries to their blue line. Olli Maatta is likely out until the postseason and potentially longer. Trevor Daley is out for the next few weeks as well. Also, Kris Letang’s health is never a sure thing.

The Capitals, however, could sure use him as well. He’d add another dimension to their already stellar power play. Having Shattenkirk run the point could free up Matt Niskanen and John Carlson. Considering the recent health issues with the former, that would be huge. He’d give them a comically deep blue line, perhaps the deepest they’ve ever had.

Must Read: 1 player each NHL team should trade

If the Blues play their cards right, they could emerge from the 2017 NHL trade deadline as its biggest winner.

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