Despite the past weekend being more about picks for the Blue Jackets than trades, there’s still a clear need for the team to improve their defense, and ideally they want to find a player who fits the “core” of the club – relatively young, talented, and skilled.
Almost every team wants a player like that, so it’s difficult to find one on the trade or UFA market – but reports from this weekend indicated that one might just be available.
After yet another playoff disappointment, big changes are likely for the St. Louis Blues, and the Edmonton Journal reports that they are taking calls on 25 year old Kevin Shattenkirk.
He’s in the right age range for the Jackets’ needs, has been a solid 2nd pairing d-man, and might be able to bump up to first pairing duties with the right partner. Sounds like a great fit – if the two sides can figure out a deal. It also doesn’t hurt that both Jackets president John Davidson and GM Jarmo Kekalainen know him from their time in the Blues’ organization – but that could also mean that St. Louis would be willing to demand a little more from them as a result.
Like many of the potential trade targets for Columbus, St. Louis is looking at some holes to fill at forward, and since they still need to sign Vladimir Tarasenko to a new deal, they’ll probably be looking for a budget friendly transaction. Kerby Rychel seems like a piece that the team would dangle – perhaps Dalton Prout or Cody Goloubef as well?
Now here’s the fun part – I talked to the folks over at SBNation’s Blues blog, St. Louis Game Time, and they’re going to take a look at what you guys come up with, and write us a response with their thoughts.
So, let’s get our thinking caps on, and give us some ideas in the comments!