On the New York Rangers and St. Louis Blues …
Bob McKenzie: just thinking out loud …. “If you’re NYR, do you give up 1st rder, plus prospect, for Shattenkirk, or just wait/take chances on July 1? Obviously, there are multiple financial considerations either way, but assuming there’s a path to overcome those. Fascinating variety of responses to NYR-Shattenkirk question. Twitter questions, by nature, are an oversimplification of complex issues. I mean, what exactly is STL asking price for Shattenkirk as rental? Hearing 1st rder, good prospect, plus another element. Do they get that? How exactly would NYR make $ work? Lots of questions, but initial response to question, if nothing else, indicates hot topic of conversation.”
On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Michael Augello: The Maple Leafs have an opportunity to add assets by taking on a bad contract plus another piece before the deadline. Teams will be looking to shed some salaries for extra cap space.
Michael Augello: Doing this won’t affect they playoff chances, which is why they could look to acquire more future assets.
On the Edmonton Oilers …
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Edmonton Oilers and St. Louis Blues talked about Kevin Shattenkirk last offseason, and they are likely still intrigued by him.
He’s a puck moving defenseman that can run the power play, but scouts say his even-strength play is only OK. Paying someone $6 million or more a year, you would prefer someone who is more than just okay at even strength.
The Oilers are looking for third line center who is good on the draw. The asking price may be too high for Martin Hanzal and Brian Boyle. The Oilers don’t have a second round pick this year. They have two third round picks.
Other options could be John Mitchell (Avalanche), Derek Ryan (Hurricanes), and Riley Nash (Bruins).