#14 cannot be moved for a potential UFA. Too much risk, and the Bruins could get a defenseman that develops into what Shattenkirk is (or potentially better).

And there is literally no cap space to maneuver.

I agree completely in most cases with trading for UFAs. But since Shattenkirk is on the record as saying that he would only like to play in Boston or New York, I think the risk is much less than normal. Also, if the Bruins don't take some risks in acquiring top pair d-men this offseason, then they'll be exactly like last year, a fringe playoff team that doesn't have what it take to contend, but also isn't bad enough to help with a rebuild. If anyone is offering a top 30 NHL defenseman to the Bruins for #14 they have to take it.

Is Shattenkirk a top 30 defenseman though? I just ran through a whole list of names I thought of.... It's borderline. Really depends on the way you want to go with the list. I just view Shattenkirk as a slightly better Krug. Very similar numbers, size, and the matchups they've had are close (Bigger sample size for Shatty as a top 4, I know that..). I do feel he'd be a perfect partner for Chara, but I just hate losing the #14 pick and a chance at a solid defensive prospect (Any guy they took there; Fabbro, Chychrun, Bean, McAvoy) immiediately becomes their top d prospect, and would honestly set them up as being one of the deeper teams in the league, prospect wise at Defense.

I think you can package #29 with some pieces to get him. #14 just is a non-starter from me.

If you can do that same deal with #29 that's great. If you can't, I still do it with #14. I don't think that anyone is questioning how deep the Bruins are in the system. They have top 5 prospect depth easy. Now if Chychrun falls to 14, maybe you regret trading the pick, but otherwise I don't think you do. Fabbro is an unknown based on his competition level. He, McAvoy and Bean could be good but you have players like them in Zboril, Lauzon, and Grzelcyk, not to mention additional quality depth in Carlo and O'Gara. Add to the D depth with #29 and give #14 to St. Louis if it means less waiting on D prospects and more good defense in 2016-2017.

I see what you're saying. I'm very high on Fabbro, and feel he has stud potential. I mean, who knows if he is even there at #14. Just going off what I think right now. I'm just off the Shattenkirk train. He was horrid in the playoffs, and it really soured me on giving up a lot for him. He would definitely improve the defense, but would it really improve them that much in their own zone (which was the problem)?

Yandle signed in Florida so there goes your theory that it's unlikely he signs there.