NHL team is reportedly “committed” to trading talented defenseman.

It sounds like the St. Louis are finally committed to pulling the trigger after nearly two full seasons of trade rumors surrounding defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk.

On Thursday TSN insider Darren Dreger appeared to confirm that a deal involving Shattenkirk would happen before the deadline, citing the fact that the Blues couldn't afford to take the risk of losing yet another player for nothing.

“Yes, no question about that,” agreed hockey Insider Darren Dreger as per Chris Nichols of Fanrag Sports. “It seems strange to say Kevin Shattenkirk will be traded, but we believe he’s going to be traded for exactly the reason that you’ve just mentioned. It’s that Troy Brouwer walked out of the organization – nothing came back. David Backes, now with the Boston Bruins, left the St. Louis Blues as their primary leader and the Blues got nothing in return. So can they afford to do that again and watch Kevin Shattenkirk march into unrestricted free agency in the summer and sign for term and money away.

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“You can build the argument as to why they would hold onto him. I mean, he’s such an integral piece and part of the organization as they march toward the playoffs. But in the long-term picture, it doesn’t make sense. And I’m told they’ve committed to trading him."

Dreger had previously touched on the Shattenkirk trade earlier this month and stated that the Blues were looking a prospect and a first round pick in return for what is at this stage a rental player.