Is that a conditional 1st in case Shattenkirk doesn't resign? Cause if not, why would the Blues be so desperate to get Stepan that they feel the need to overpay that hard? Shattenkirk is a far more rare and valuable commodity than Stepan.

If Shattenkirk had years left on his deal, it would be the Rangers adding to the deal not the Blues. Might still have to add a low pick honestly. Stephan's just not that prolific a scorer and on STL, his numbers would only go down due to ice time dispersion and playing down the line-up.

It's a nice idea but unless that's a conditional pick, this deal is way off.

And most contending teams have long term cap issues. Stepan at 6.5m for what 5 years is not appealing for likely any teams

This would only work if Blues lose Backes

Stepan is worth far more than a 1st rd pick.

Sure but his contact reduces his value. He's a 60 pt player, something the Blues have a lot of so they're not likely to be super keen to get him. Plus, if Shattenkirk does re-sign with the Rangers in this hypothetical, then they have made out like bandits with a 1st rounder too! They get the more valuable player AND a 1st for a guy the Blues more or less already have. Hence, conditional 1st. Maybe the deal could be restructured to be for Shattenkirk, a prospect and a conditional 1st, that way if the Rangers get burned by Shattenkirk they still have 2 pieces from the deal and cap relief?