Report: Blues Searching for a Top-Two Defenseman

An article out of the Edmonton Journal reports that Blues are looking for a top-two defenseman that they can pair with Alex Pietrangelo. This report mentions that several scouts believe the Blues would be willing to trade either T.J. Oshie or David Perron in order to secure a quality partner for Alex Pietrangelo. It’s important not to completely take this report as fact but it is worth noting that this sort of speculation has more credibility than most.

A few points to take away from this article:

– The Blues want to use Kevin Shattenkirk in their second pairing. This makes sense as both Pietrangelo and Shattenkirk shoot from the right side and for the fact that you’d ideally like to spread your wealth out offensively.

– Does this mean Barret Jackman is on his way out? Not necessarily though it is a possibility and it does indicate that the Blues will be shaking things up defensively. If Jackman will accept a lower offer to stay in St. Louis you can bet the Blues would retain him.

– Does this mean Carlo Colaiacovo is on his way out? It certainly seems that way. The fact Colaiacovo was benched in favor of Ian Cole in the team’s decisive Game 4 against Los Angeles speaks volumes.

– Hypothetically, what might the Blues land if they dangled Oshie or Perron out there? Truthfully, any answer to that question is a guess. It’s tough to predict which teams would be willing to trade and which players might be on the block. That being said, the Blues should be able to get a solid return on either Oshie or Perron.

There you have it – a little trade speculation for your Sunday. Don’t preach the Edmonton Journal’s article as fact but don’t dismiss it either. A trade for a quality defenseman would make a lot of sense. The Blues could theoretically move Perron or Oshie if Vladmimir Tarasenko decides to play for the Blues in 2012-13, and proves he can compete in the NHL.

What do you think, Blues fans?