Blues trade Kevin Shattenkirk to Capitals for picks

But a day later, MacLellan learned that blue liner Brooks Orpik would also be sidelined on a day-to-day basis with a lower body injury. We’ve got to find ways to get even a point out of these games right now. Teams coming off the bye are now 6-15-4.

In a sit down interview session last week, MacLellan told reporters that he felt this year’s team was the most complete of the Alex Ovechkin Era. “You don’t see it often, but he gets emotional sometimes, but I think the stuff he does away from the rink and inside the locker room is something everyone holds in high respect”.

“I think we’ve tried to create a sense of urgency here, even starting previous year that this is it here”, MacLellan said. The trade for Shattenkirk, one of the top names available on the trade market, suggests that Washington wants to make 2017 the year that statistic ends. Lindbohm, however, can safely be classified at this point as a player who is not going to replace Shattenkirk from an offensive standpoint. That includes seven goals and 20 points on the power play, where he was particularly effective. All Washington defensemen have combined for three extra-man tallies in 2016-17.

Shattenkirk, 28, is in the final season of a four-year deal. He has only three goals this season, but he leads Wolves defensemen with 22 points in 42 games. However, they have their work cut out for them here as the Capitals are among the league’s best teams and have dominated matchups against the Eastern Conference of late. He also gives the Caps a third right-handed shot on the blue line, joining Matt Niskanen and John Carlson.

Per Pierre LeBrun, the Caps have sent a 2017 first-round draft pick, a conditional second-round pick in 2018, and prospect Zach Sanford to the Blues to complete the deal. “Something’s got to fall out, and I’m not sure what it’s going to be, but it’s not going to be the same”.

Sanford was the Capitals’ second-round pick in 2013, selected 61st overall. Shattenkirk has reached double digits in goals in three of the last four seasons and at least 40 points in six of the last six seasons.

The clock is officially ticking as Shattenkirk will become an unrestricted free agent this summer, barring a contract extension. There are several very different directions that the Blues could go in terms of adjusting their style to compensate for Shattenkirk’s loss, though. At a point on the depth chart to be determined by the coaching staff, the Caps can insert Shattenkirk and slide everyone below him down one slot.

Washington won’t have a pick until the fourth round of the upcoming draft. He adds this is a business decision – the Blues have been bumping up against the salary cap for years.

“He’s one of the best teammates I’ve had”, Stastny said after practice Monday afternoon. This is a little bit more than an upgrade to the “fringes”.