Blues trade Shattenkirk and Copley to Capitals

ST. LOUIS -- Kevin Shattenkirk will be linking up with T.J. Oshie again as the Blues have traded the defenseman to the Washington Capitals.

Shattenkirk, 28, was dealt for forward Zach Sanford, a 2017 first-round draft pick and a conditional second-round pick.

The Blues also acquired forward Brad Malone from Washington in exchange for goaltender Pheonix Copley.

Shattenkirk, whose contract makes him a free agent after the season, led all Blues defensemen with 42 points on 11 goals and 31 assists this season. The Blues had acquired Shattenkirk in 2011 when dealing former first overall draft pick Erik Johnson to the Colorado Avalanche.

Sanford, 22, has split time between the Capitals and their AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears. The 6-foot-4, 203-pound forward has scored two goals and one assist in 26 games with Washington. In 25 games with the Bears, Sanford has scored 11 goals and notched five assists. Sanford was drafted by the Capitals in the second round in 2013.

Malone, 27, has 20 points (seven goals, 13 assists) and 66 penalty minutes in 52 games with the Bears this season.  The 6-1, 210-pound forward has appeared in 176 career NHL games, including stints with Carolina and Colorado, recording 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists) and 188 penalty minutes.

This is the second time in roughly a year-and-a-half the Blues and Capitals have hooked up for a blockbuster trade. In 2015, the Blues dealt Oshie to Washington for Troy Brouwer, Copley and a 2016 third-round draft pick.

Blues general manager Doug Armstrong is expected to meet with the media after Tuesday's morning skate at Scottrade Center.