We’ve known for a long time that the Edmonton Oilers were looking for a right-handed defenseman last summer. They ended up trading Taylor Hall for Adam Larsson in what was once considered an extreme overpay, but they were connected to other players prior to that. On June 24th, Lou Korac of NHL.com tweeted that Edmonton was “in talks” with the St. Louis Blues over Kevin Shattenkirk, with St. Louis asking for either Hall or Jordan Eberle in return. A few days later, on June 28th we wrote this piece describing Shattenkirk’s possible willingness to be traded to the Western Conference, opening the door for the Oilers just a crack. 
But Edmonton didn’t want a player under contract for just one year, and needed to get Shattenkirk signed long term if they were to pull the trigger. Frank Seravalli revealed on TSN 1260 today that the two teams had in fact had come to an agreement that would send Shattenkirk to Edmonton, contingent on a long-term extension. It was done. Agreed upon. Finished. But, when Shattenkirk wouldn’t agree to deal it fell apart. The Hall-Larsson swap was completed June 29th (a day that will live in infamy).
Seravalli doesn’t pinpoint when exactly this deal was completed in principal, but it feels like it was likely just before the team sent out its superstar winger for an criminally underrated Larsson since they would have had a tough time fitting in both right-handed shots at the time. It’s possible, it just seems unlikely. Seravalli goes on to say that they should still try to get him now, and try to convince him to stay with what looks like will be one of the best teams in the Western Conference for a long time. He could improve a powerplay that is already in the top half of the league and allow young Matt Benning to develop and dominate on the third pairing.
While it could still happen, it likely will never be as close as it was in the summer. One wonders how different the season would look for all parties if it had been an Eberle-Shattenkirk deal instead. But, just like most talks that you never hear about this one ended before it even had a chance.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Bet they’re kicking themselves. I know there’s not much control, but I’d rather him over Larson, especially if they can lock him up
Price would have been better as well, but Larson isn’t a bad player and will only grow.
I bet they’re not. Years of control matter. They likely would have cost the same in players and larsson has 5 years of control and shattenkirk had one. There was obviously serious concerns about locking up shattenkirk.
I’m a big Ranger fan and Shattenkirk being from upstate NY would be a great addition but I have to say I think Shattenkirk is a bit over rated and deficient on defense against big forechecking lines.
shay’s kirk is from southwestern connecticut buddy