Signs continue to point to Kevin Shattenkirk's imminent departure from St. Louis.

While announcing the signing of forward Jaden Schwartz to a new five-year contract, Blues general manager Doug Armstrong listed a group of core players around whom he's looking to build a championship.

Shattenkirk's name was curiously omitted from that list of six.

• Goalie - Jake Allen
• Defensemen - Alex Pietrangelo, Colton Parayko
• Forwards - Schwartz, Vladimir Tarasenko, Robby Fabbri

The 27-year-old has one year remaining on his contract with the Blues and carries a cap hit of $4.25 million. He's likely to command a raise on his next deal, exceeding St. Louis' abilities to comply and thereby raising the very real possibility of a trade.

Shattenkirk's agent was surprised his client wasn't traded at the NHL Draft in late June, while the player himself is on record as saying he hopes the Blues trade him sooner rather than later.

Based on Armstrong's latest statement, it appears as though the writing is indeed on the wall.

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