BUFFALO — There was lots of chatter during the week that the Blues will look to deal former BU defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. The 6-foot, 200-pound back liner, who left BU in 2010 after three seasons on Comm. Ave, is on the Blues’ books for $5.2 million in 2016-17 and is due to become an unrestricted free agent July 1, 2017.
The Bruins, in need of bolstering their aging defensive corps, could use the 27-year-old Shattenkirk, who would be a boost to their back-end mobility and offense. He has been among the game’s most consistent offensive performers back there the last three seasons, producing 45, 44 and 44 points, respectively.
Shattenkirk was drafted by the Avalanche with the 14th pick in the 2007 draft. He was flipped to the Blues in his rookie NHL season, the Avalanche acquiring Erik Johnson in the swap.
The acquisition of BU blue liner Charlie McAvoy in the first round of the draft Friday night will help the Bruins bolster the back line eventually, but adding a veteran such as Shattenkirk would give the back liners an immediate booster shot.
Eriksson, Krug talks continue
Bruins GM Don Sweeney said late Friday night he continued contract talks with Loui Eriksson and Torey Krug, but has yet to get either signed. He also said that Chris Kelly, who broke his leg early last season, has been medically cleared to play again and that he will talk to the veteran forward about a possible return to Boston in 2016-17 . . . Sweeney noted that a move up in the drafting order Friday would have meant surrendering both of Boston’s first-round picks, a price similar to last June when clubs wanted all three of his first-rounders. Repeatedly noting his desire to be patient, and grow the organization through picks and development, he refused to give up the picks . . . McAvoy was one of 11 NCAA players chosen among the 30 first-round picks, tying an NCAA record. The Penguins won the Cup recently with 11 former NCAA players dressed in their title-clinching game vs. San Jose.
Subban still a Canadien
P.K. Subban, also the subject of persistent trade talk during the week, remained the centerpiece of the Canadiens blue line.
If Subban gets moved, ex-Boston GM Peter Chiarelli could be at the center of the deal, with his Oilers, like many clubs, desperate to add an impact player to the defensive group. Chiarelli, entering his second year as Oilers GM, also has the young roster assets to entice the Canadiens.
Taylor Hall, 24, would be a great addition for the Habs, who lack forwards with size, strength and scoring ability (Hall went 29-36—65 last season). He is under contract for four more seasons at $6 million per year. The Habs, though, could be more interested in Leon Draisaitl, the No. 3 pick in the 2014 draft, who broke into the league this past season and connected for 19-32—51. Draisaitl is younger (20) and significantly cheaper, still working on his entry level deal.
Going to China
A few of the Bruins will be shipping off to China next month, part of the ongoing relationship between the NHL club and China-based O.R.G. Packaging — a partnership that was announced earlier this season.
Various members of the front office and a smattering of players will be in China for two weeks, their visit aimed at growing the game throughout the country. Main ports o’ call: Beijing and Shanghai.
