Kevin Shattenkirk nearing contract extension with Blues, according to report

Citing sources, Strickland reports that the two sides are nearing a four-year, $17 million contract that will carry an annual average value in the $4 million-plus range.

The 24-year-old defenseman played in all 48 regular season games in 2013 and contributed a total of 23 points (five goals, 18 assists). In addition, he averaged 21:18 of ice time per game, which included substantial minutes on the penalty kill (1:46 average) and power play units (2:37 average). He also incurred 10 minor penalties in 2013, for a total of 20 penalty minutes.

Shattenkirk played out the final-year of his entry-level contract in 2013, which carried an annual average value of $1.3 million against the salary cap. If Strickland’s report is accurate, Shattenkirk will be eligible to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of his next deal.

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