Kevin Shattenkirk figured he'd be an ex-St. Louis Blues defenseman by now.

Let's break this down in chronological order, courtesy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Jeremy Rutherford:

• Before last week's draft, Blues general manager Doug Armstrong and Shattenkirk's camp talked a long-term extension. The defender, making $4.25 million against the cap in 2016-17, is a restricted free agent after next season.
• The figures were too rich for the Blues' blood, so the focus shifted to trading the 27-year-old.
• Shattenkirk's agent appreciated the Blues' straightforwardness, but expected his client to be dealt during draft weekend.
• Armstrong said he didn't come "anywhere close" to dealing Shattenkirk in Buffalo, stating that perhaps his price is too high.
• There's no timeline, and Shattenkirk's agent wouldn't comment on whether potential preferred destinations have been discussed, or whether Shattenkirk's been able to talk contract with a future employer.

In the end, Shattenkirk's camp believes a trade is "inevitable." And based on that fact, they'd prefer a trade happen over the summer, so Shattenkirk can settle into his new home and take care of the hassles that come with moving during his time off.

A former first-round pick of the Colorado Avalanche, Shattenkirk has blossomed in St. Louis. His numbers are impressive:

Shattenkirk set career highs in goals (14) and power-play points last season. There's a reason why Armstrong's asking for the moon.

- With h/t to Pro Hockey Talk

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