Report: Bruins are “Highly Interested” In Trading for Blue Defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk.

With the draft less then a week away, and trades happening left and right across the NHL, rumors are starting to heat up around the Bruins and former BU and current St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk.

Shattenkirk is no stranger to the city of Boston, playing three years of college hockey here from 2007-2010 with Boston University. The 27-year-old defenseman is no stranger to winning here in Boston as well, helping the Terriers win the Frozen Four in 2009, assisting on the game winning goal.

The six-year NHL veteran is under contract for one more season in St. Louis before coming a free agent next summer and the Blues will have to make a move on the defenseman sooner, rather then later due to Center David Backes also being a free agent, as well as defenseman Alex Pietrangelo locked up for four more years, as well as Jay Bouwmeester signed for the next three seasons.

ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun went on TSN 1040 in Canada, telling them both Boston and Edmonton are potential landing spots for Shattenkirk. “Think of the Boston Bruins, think of the Edmonton Oilers. Those are among the teams that have already spoken to St. Louis here of late regarding Kevin Shattenkirk.” LeBrun told TSN 1040 “The Blues are in a pretty good position of strength to probably move Shattenkirk”

With the Bruins lack of help on the back end, acquiring Shattenkirk would be a major pillar in the Bruins retooling process, don’t expect the Bruins to use both their draft picks in this weekends upcoming draft, one – if not both – of the picks may have to be sent to St. Louis in order to acquire the puck moving defenseman.