Hockey Trade Rumors

St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk was born in New Rochelle. He grew up a Rangers fan. His favorite player was Brian Leetch, and it’s believed he wants to play for the Blueshirts one day. He turns 27 on Friday. He is a right-handed shot and a major power play weapon, and he paired with Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh on the United States’ 2008-09 World Junior championship team.

Shattenkirk’s representatives would not comment, but St. Louis needs help up front, it will have to deal from the back end to get it, and Shattenkirk is its likeliest trade chip, since he will command a significant raise when his $4.25 million annual cap hit expires in summer 2017.

If Blues GM Doug Armstrong were willing to deal, he presumably would demand either Rick Nash or Chris Kreider in return. Nash, 31, reveres St. Louis coach Ken Hitchcock from their time together in Columbus, and he no longer has a full no-move clause — only a limited no-trade — so that might allow for a reunion. The cap-strapped Rangers would get out from Nash’s $7.8 million cap hit the next two seasons. Kreider, 24, will be a restricted free agent but could be sold high if Gorton prefers the upsides of J.T. Miller and Kevin Hayes.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/rangers/rangers-trade-deadline-options-article-1.2511907