St. Louis Blues: Could A Boston Trade Be Back In The Works?

Prior to the 2016 trade deadline, there were rumors swirling about the St. Louis Blues dealing Kevin Shattenkirk. Boston was one of possible trade partners and could be again.

Last week, we listed some of the more intriguing rumors involving Kevin Shattenkirk. One of the rumors making the rounds prior to the trade deadline was Shattenkirk to Boston for Loui Eriksson.

The trade was apparently closer than many of us realized, but for one reason or another did not materialize. Now there is word that the Bruins are still in the market for a defenseman, which begs the question of whether the Blues could again emerge as a potential trade partner.

More importantly than the if, might be the who. Who could the Blues get in return or who would they want in return if another deal emerged?

Clearly Eriksson isn’t going to be involved in this deal. He’s going to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and the Blues could just sign him if they have the funds and things don’t work out with their own free agents. So, who else is there?

There are a couple interesting names on the Bruins roster, depending on which direction the Blues wanted to go.

If they want to go a bit more proven, then Brad Marchand could fit the bill. Marchand is coming off a career season in which he scored 37 goals and had 61 points in 77 games. The Blues don’t necessarily need more wingers, but bringing in talent is never a bad idea.

There are some drawbacks to the Marchand idea though. First and foremost is the cost. Marchand is currently making $5 million this coming season with a cap hit of $4.5 million. Shattenkirk is going to be paid $5.2 million with a cap hit of $4.25 million. So, the money out of pocket washes out, but you spend more on the salary cap where the Blues are looking for more room.

The another drawback is Marchand’s contract. He’s going to be an unrestricted free agent after this coming season. So you’d be trading a defender who will be a free agent in one year for a forward in the same situation. Unless it was a deal done at the deadline, there would need to be assurances that Marchand would sign an extension.

Another issue, which frankly would be an issue with almost any player, is production consistency. Marchand had a career year last season, but he has fluctuated his numbers. He’s gone from 41 points to 55, 36, 53, 42 and then 61. Although, the 36 is a little more impressive when you consider it was done in 48 games. In his defense, he has never scored fewer than 20 goals when playing a full season.

If the Blues wanted to go a little cheaper, they could explore a deal for Ryan Spooner. Spooner is set to earn $1.1 million while his cap hit would be $950,000. Spooner is also coming off a 13 goal, 49 point season in his first full year in the NHL.

He has somewhat similar drawbacks. His contract is also up next summer, but he will be a restricted free agent which could give the Blues a bit more flexibility. He’s also unproven. He put up 49 points, but doesn’t have enough experience to be able to tell if that’s going to be the norm or just one good season.

If the Blues could package something with Boston, that might be worth it. The Bruins currently hold the 14th overall pick. It might still be unlikely, but the 14th pick puts them in the range of having the possibility of picking up St. Louis native, Clayton Keller. If the Blues could pull in either Marchand or Spooner and that pick, it could be a great trade.

Losing Kevin Shattenkirk isn’t something to go about lightly. Even though he is unlikely to re-up with the Blues after his contract is done, you don’t want to trade him for someone who is just as unlikely to stay.

Marchand brings the best immediate value, but best case scenario would have a lot of moving pieces. If this trade materialized at the draft and Keller was still available, then sending Shattenkirk out for Spooner and Keller could be worth it.

Next: Blues Top Playoff Games of 2016

Spooner seems, at the very least, talented enough to be a third line center. Being restricted means he would likely at least be around long enough to keep the seat warm for Keller, who needs a year or two to develop before he comes into the NHL.

None of this is a done deal, of course. However, the fact that Boston keeps popping up as a potential trade partner seems more than coincidental. Perhaps, unlike the trade deadline, something actually gets done this time.