The St. Louis Blues have plenty of decisions to make with the trade deadline approaching. Â The biggest one is whether to deal away Kevin Shattenkirk at his peak value or stand pat on the defenseman going into the summer while the team makes a run at the cup.
Shattenkirk has already proven himself to be one of the best defensemen in the league. Â He may even be among the elite. Â If not for injuries, he would definitely be in the mix for Norris Trophy consideration.
Unfortunately for the Blues, that means a big payday is coming. Â Now Shattenkirk is still under contract through the 2016-17 season, but many assume the Blues will not be able to afford him. Â So, that means huge decisions are on the table for GM Doug Armstrong.
Does he try to trade Shattenkirk now and risk spoiling a potential Stanley Cup team? Â Does he wait until the summer and hope more suitors line up? Â Do the Blues keep him until his contract runs out and risk getting nothing? Â The team might be unable to draw interest, afterall. Â Or do they make enough moves to get the wiggle room needed to keep Shattenkirk on the payroll?
All are viable options with benefits and drawbacks.  However, losing a player of his caliber doesn’t come off as the smart decision.  Therefor, here are the top five players that could be moved in order to keep ShatDueces.
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