St. Louis Blues: 5 Players the Blues Should Move To Keep Kevin Shattenkirk

Carl Gunnarsson

Carl Gunnarsson falls into a similar category as Backes in that he’s a free agent after this season, though there wouldn’t be as many tears at Gunny’s departure.  Gunnarsson has been a steady defenseman since being acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs before the 2014-15 season for Roman Polak.

Cons of a trade/not re-signing:

Like Backes, Gunnarsson would certainly be cheaper than Shattenkirk to keep.  Obviously the point of this piece is pointing out players that could/should go to keep him, but it bares repeating that roster spots do cost money and the more flexibility available the better.  While Gunnarsson hasn’t been a fan favorite, he hasn’t deserved the leftover Barrett Jackman hate he’s received.

He’s been a steady performer with decent puck moving skills and a bit of a veteran presence that can help alongside the young defenders he’s been paired with.  Moving him means you almost assure yourself of going with three young blueliners next season.  Also, if you let him walk then you get nothing in return, other than the money freed up.

Pros of a trade/not re-signing:

Either letting Gunnarsson walk or making a deal saves the Blues around $3 million.  While that isn’t a huge chunk, it should be enough to give a decent raise if Shattenkirk is comfortable here.

Gunnarsson isn’t a point producer.  He’s only averaged in the teens per season his whole career, which are numbers the younger players could certainly put up.  Colton Parayko, as a rookie, already has more points this year than Gunnarsson has ever put on the sheet.

Gunnarsson is also 29.  That’s not young, but still at the age where teams would be interested.  If you could get a decent forward prospect or even someone who can play right now and ease the burden put on the roster due to injuries, it might be worth it.

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