Analysis: Kevin Shattenkirk to D.C.

Photo: USA Today

By Victor Cabrera

As the trade deadline approaches in the 2016-2017 season the Capitals and Blues announced a trade for the highly sought after blue liner, Kevin Shattenkirk.

Washington has now strengthened their defense with this trade and look to be serious contenders for Lord Stanley this season.The Capitals dealt away a 2017 first round pick, a 2019 second-round conditional pick, and two forwards, Zach Sanford and Brad Malone. The Capitals received Kevin Shattenkirk and goaltender Pheonix Copley.

Shattenkirk and Copley

Shattenkirk has the possible of being an unrestricted free agent come July 1st and can also be a high salary to pay if he does renew his contract with Washington. Shattenkirk has played 61 games this season where he has recorded 11 goals and 31 assists for 42 points. 20 of his points are on the power play. Pheonix Copley is an American goaltender who was also acquired in the trade with the Blues and will be assigned to Hershey (AHL) while having only played two games in the NHL. Most of his playing career has been in the AHL and ECHL level.

Sanford and Malone

Zach Sanford was a 2013 draft pick (61st overall) for the Capitals and did not demonstrate to be of high need to the Washington organization. Sanford played with both Washington and Hershey this season. With Washington he played 26 games for a mere  two goals and one assist. Brad Malone has previously played at the NHL level with both Carolina and Colorado with a total of 176 game he has 13 goals and 17 assists for 30 points in his NHL career. This season in the AHL with Hershey he has seven goals and 13 assists for 20 points in his 52 games and should be assigned to St. Louis’ AHL team the Chicago Wolves. The first round pick is aimed to be lower into the first round and is depending on where the Capitals finish in the Playoffs.

The speculation is that Shattenkirk plays with Washington after the Capitals play the Rangers on Tuesday night as the trade was made Monday Night. He’d be expected to draw into the lineup for the Thursday night game against the Devils on the road. Washington hopes that he is the piece they need to make the power play better and the player who will improve the Washington defense for both the reminder of the regular season and in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Adding Shattenkirk has definitely made the Capitals an even stronger candidate to at least get to the Stanley Cup Final. They may have given up a few players and picks, but it might all be worth come the beginning of June.

Want to start your sports media career? Then Join The Puck Network!

Capital Pucks is part of The Puck Network, which covers the entire NHL. There are openings to cover your favorite team(s) and earn school credits! If you are interested, then apply by filling out the form here: Join Our Team. What are you waiting for? Start your sports media career TODAY!

February 28th, 2017