2024-2025 Blues Trade Proposals Thread.

[Drubilly]

It was overwhelmingly discussed here that the cap would increase by 5% for this year (the maximum allowable under the CBA without a separate agreement). Which it did. In fact, the NHL and PA actually agreed for it to increase slightly more than 5%. Absolutely no one argued that it would skyrocket the previous year, because the escrow debt was not paid off. The argument was that the cap would go up 5% per year once the escrow debt was paid off until the expiration of the 2020 MOU that de-linked the cap from HRR. Which is exactly what has happened.

You are either making shit up or your reading comprehension on the topic has badly failed you. Your failure to understand what annual 5% jumps looks like does not make it any less true. Bettman is not able to "control" the salary cap. He does not "allow" for it to jump. You need to learn the absolute basics of how the salary cap is calculated.

Barring a lockout, the cap in 2026/27 is going to be linked to HRR for the first time since COVID. "What Bettman wants" isn't part of the linkage formula.

The league made $6.2B in revenue last year. They are projecting $6.6B this year. If we were using the linkage formula to come up with the 2025/26 cap, the cap would be $105M for 2025/26. Even if the league experiences no growth in 2025/26, the cap is going to be in the $100M-$105M range. With continued growth, the cap is going to get to $110M+.

I think the NHL and PA want to smooth this growth by raising the cap by an extra few million this summer (beyond the $92.4M projection that is the maximum 5% allowed without a deal). And I could see all parties agreeing to a lag formula for the first 2-3 years of the next CBA. But the cap is going to be linked to HRR again, which means a skyrocketing cap with skyrocketed revenue.

In tha face!

 

[tfriede2]

Really going out on a limb there lol. If we get first overall next year then something seriously went wrong.

Or seriously right! Miss the playoffs by one spot, win the lottery.

 

[Memento]

if we get 1st overall in 2026 I want Gaven Mckenna

Chicago will get McKenna, because obviously, NHL wants the whole fact that that team enabled a rapist swept under the rug. That's the feeling I'm getting because that team just flat-out sucks.

But I feel we could still barely miss the playoffs, win the lottery, and move up ten spots (like @tfriede2 said) and select Ivar Stenberg?

 

[sfvega]

The biggest need on the team is a 2C


Canadian media always blows things out of proportion, I think he would fit in nicely here with a way more lax media situation and some Swedes/future Swedish GM he would like it I think.

The biggest need on THIS SEASON'S team is 2C. Two years from now, that may well be solved.

 

[AyeBah]

What am I missing? I'm seeing that he has scored 76 points in his last 82 games: 48 in 48 to end last season and 28 in 34 to start this season.

My bad meant he was pacing for around 64 points this season before his heater. Point still stands hes going to be sub ppg at 11.5m

 

[StlBigFly]

My player wishlist:

1. Lawson Crouse? (if Saad is traded and after the season if we have a lw gap which maybe we don’t). Utah has too many guys and I’m really just value shopping. Deep value. Dude is 6’4’’ and likes 5v5 goals. Really good players pushed him down. If we have a need then this dude is a great solution imo.

2. Ryan McLeod - Seems like it could be a good idea. Not sure if he’s available or not, but he just got to Buffalo and is pending a contract. Probably expensive? Maybe not if he struggles the rest of the year. He could be a bum I don’t watch Buffalo, he’s just seems like he could be a cheap option if things go certain ways such as if he doesn’t want to sign where he is and also doesn’t put up great results.

3. Bo Horvat - Thomas Horvat Dvorsky Whoever seems good. As time passes Horvat and Dvorsky would naturally change places. I really like this but I don’t think our team needs a big change right now. Maybe offseason idea. It also seems to me like if he were traded it’s gonna be somebody like the Stars maybe and I don’t want to deal with it. He’s probably not available but it’s a wish list that I’m trying to keep borderline real.

4. Debrincat - I think this works well with Thomas? If he had less term you could try renting a year and a half, sweeten the deal to get a little retention. Maybe next year? Only if there is no Snuggerud or somebody else like that. If nothing else - in 2 years I’ll be beating this drum - will be a fun rental for a playoff club if Detroit still sucks.

 

[PocketNines]

I am thinking next year we are thinking playoffs for sure, 26-27 season is the beginning of a real window. They crushed drafts. And when that happens the contending is coming.

We gotta be real careful right now not to pick the wrong piece out of a peaking desire to finish off / accelerate the project, which we can see tantalizingly on the horizon. You pick the wrong piece and you lock yourself in, real bad.

So looking at it that way, I think they have talent pouring in on the wings. Here's the group: Stenberg, Kyrou, Buchnevich, Neighbours, Snuggerud, Bolduc, then Pekarcik, Jecho, Kos, Mrsic and I think they have really legit reason to see 6 quality NHL wingers in that group with real competition.

Then Dvorsky is legit as a scoring center, giving the Blues 2 real scoring line options. Stancl could really drive a third line. Those two players are atop the WJC board right now, Stancl is not there by accident at all, I am honestly surprised he doesn't have another 3 points with the way he has generated chances.

All of this leads me to believe we have real help internally up front. If everyone we have on D develops to their potential we actually have the whole thing (Jiricek).

If we are talking about the accelerant piece to target its to bring in a very high end #1RHD. And we have a prospect at that position to be put into a trade which is often what it takes.

We are looking for a team like Buffalo to make a big mistake trading us one of those to get back multiple assets, like Faulk/competent NHL piece + Jiricek + 1st type deals (if Faulk were to waive which he probably wouldn't). It can happen when an excellent player is staring down the barrel of a long extension with a non-competitive franchise. We have to wait until this situation is ripe IMO

 

[PeoriaBlues309]

I think we are one of the ideal teams for Pettersson, and I don't think we get him, but I do think we are ideal. We are a small/mid market team, and while a guy like Kyrou had that booing incident after Berube was fired, and he can be a whipping boy for some, I don't think this fanbase hold negative grudges against it's own players. Kyrou is clearly still enjoying his time here. We already have an established leadership group in place and a clear transition of power in the front office, it's a very stable organization. And on top of that, we have a couple Swedes on the team, have more coming, and our GM will soon be a Swede. Pettersson would be able to come in and be comfortable and himself and not be forced into a leadership role that he probably doesn't want, it doesn't seem like it fits his personality.

If he is moved, I'd be pretty intrigued at what he goes for, it has mistake for Vancouver written all over it. Vancouver is in a bad spot regardless though. Their drafts are a good example of why you need to draft outside of the 1st to actually rebuild. Sure, they got Hughes and Pettersson, but nothing else in those drafts. 2016 was a bust, 2015 only got Boeser, and 2019 was pretty much a bust.

This is how I feel about the situation as well.

I think getting out of Vancouver will be a revelation for him. That market(and JT) is so toxic, and I think Monty would be the perfect coach for him as well.

I have been internally debating on what I’d want to give up for him. I see a lot of people including Kyrou in their trade package(and he may actually have to be included), but I think we should be adding to our top 3-4 guys, not swapping one out for another.

There are certain prospects I absolutely wouldn’t include(Dvorsky, Stenberg, etc), but I think we could give up a futures package with a cap dump or two that could be appetizing for them. I’d be willing to give up a first rounder or two if need be, but they’d have to be top 10 protected.

 

[Reality Czech]

This is how I feel about the situation as well.

I think getting out of Vancouver will be a revelation for him. That market(and JT) is so toxic, and I think Monty would be the perfect coach for him as well.

I have been internally debating on what I’d want to give up for him. I see a lot of people including Kyrou in their trade package(and he may actually have to be included), but I think we should be adding to our top 3-4 guys, not swapping one out for another.

There are certain prospects I absolutely wouldn’t include(Dvorsky, Stenberg, etc), but I think we could give up a futures package with a cap dump or two that could be appetizing for them. I’d be willing to give up a first rounder or two if need be, but they’d have to be top 10 protected.

We ain't don't have a chance at Pettersson without giving up at least one of Kyrou, Dvorsky or Sunggerud+. Plus, I doubt Vancouver is looking for a pure futures package as they already have a decent foundation in place.

 

[LetsGoBooze]

We ain't don't have a chance at Pettersson without giving up at least one of Kyrou, Dvorsky or Sunggerud+. Plus, I doubt Vancouver is looking for a pure futures package as they already have a decent foundation in place.

Exactly this, Would most likely take Kyrou PLUS Dvorsky or at minimum another top prospect. We're not gonna get a dollar for five dimes.

 

[PeoriaBlues309]

We ain't don't have a chance at Pettersson without giving up at least one of Kyrou, Dvorsky or Sunggerud+. Plus, I doubt Vancouver is looking for a pure futures package as they already have a decent foundation in place.

Ideally, I’d have Bolduc as the top prospect going in the deal, along with the 1st’s I mentioned. Would begrudgingly include Snuggy if need be.

 

[PeoriaBlues309]

Exactly this, Would most likely take Kyrou PLUS Dvorsky or at minimum another top prospect. We're not gonna get a dollar for five dimes.

Ehhh, I’m not so sure about that. These high end players never actually return the crazy packages we think they’ll have to be on here.

 

[taylord22]

I am thinking next year we are thinking playoffs for sure, 26-27 season is the beginning of a real window. They crushed drafts. And when that happens the contending is coming.

We gotta be real careful right now not to pick the wrong piece out of a peaking desire to finish off / accelerate the project, which we can see tantalizingly on the horizon. You pick the wrong piece and you lock yourself in, real bad.

So looking at it that way, I think they have talent pouring in on the wings. Here's the group: Stenberg, Kyrou, Buchnevich, Neighbours, Snuggerud, Bolduc, then Pekarcik, Jecho, Kos, Mrsic and I think they have really legit reason to see 6 quality NHL wingers in that group with real competition.

Then Dvorsky is legit as a scoring center, giving the Blues 2 real scoring line options. Stancl could really drive a third line. Those two players are atop the WJC board right now, Stancl is not there by accident at all, I am honestly surprised he doesn't have another 3 points with the way he has generated chances.

All of this leads me to believe we have real help internally up front. If everyone we have on D develops to their potential we actually have the whole thing (Jiricek).

If we are talking about the accelerant piece to target its to bring in a very high end #1RHD. And we have a prospect at that position to be put into a trade which is often what it takes.

We are looking for a team like Buffalo to make a big mistake trading us one of those to get back multiple assets, like Faulk/competent NHL piece + Jiricek + 1st type deals (if Faulk were to waive which he probably wouldn't). It can happen when an excellent player is staring down the barrel of a long extension with a non-competitive franchise. We have to wait until this situation is ripe IMO

My long-term (contend) vs. near term (playoffs) priority is nearly aligned, but for the latter I still think we need an elite wing to play with Thomas. It raises the offensive ceiling of a team that can struggle to score goals.

We’ve got a lot of lottery tickets on the wing, so I’m optimistic - just not sure how long they’ll let the clock run down before pinning it down externally.

Overall, though, completely agree 1RD is the most critical.

Also really liking the guys we have lining up for 4th line duty. Kaskamaki is more than a 4th liner, IMO, but he’s absolutely relentless and could play there on a contending team, a la Barby.

 

[Reality Czech]

Ehhh, I’m not so sure about that. These high end players never actually return the crazy packages we think they’ll have to be on here.

A lot of it depends on how many bidders there are and how many teams the player is willing to go to. According to PuckPedia, his NMC doesn't kick in until next year but realistically a team would need to know if he's ok going there in advance. No point in trading for a guy on that level unless he's going to be happy to be there.

But you are right that the packages are often less than some people expect. I still can't see them going for a pure futures package because what kind of a message does that send to Hughes, JT, Demko and the other guys who are there now?

 

[PeoriaBlues309]

A lot of it depends on how many bidders there are and how many teams the player is willing to go to. According to PuckPedia, his NMC doesn't kick in until next year but realistically a team would need to know if he's ok going there in advance. No point in trading for a guy on that level unless he's going to be happy to be there.

But you are right that the packages are often less than some people expect. I still can't see them going for a pure futures package because what kind of a message does that send to Hughes, JT, Demko and the other guys who are there now?

This is true.

One player I’m curious about being included would be Schenn. Being a Western Canada guy, I could see Vancouver being a place he’d waive to, and he’s definitely someone who’d fit how Tocchet likes to play.

 

[Reality Czech]

This is true.

One player I’m curious about being included would be Schenn. Being a Western Canada guy, I could see Vancouver being a place he’d waive to, and he’s definitely someone who’d fit how Tocchet likes to play.

Interesting. I know Schenn isn't the most popular guy around here but I know he's very respected among teammates and would leave a gaping hole in the room. Plus, he's picked up his play lately and is at least holding down the 2c fort in the short term.

However, if he was the final piece needed them I doubt it would be a barrier to making a deal. The question is are we talking Kyrou + Schenn, Bolduc/Neighbours + Schenn but if they are looking at a roster piece he could be a good candidate. It would certainly send shockwaves through the locker room to replace Schenn with EP though.

 

[PeoriaBlues309]

Interesting. I know Schenn isn't the most popular guy around here but I know he's very respected among teammates and would leave a gaping hole in the room. Plus, he's picked up his play lately and is at least holding down the 2c fort in the short term.

However, if he was the final piece needed them I doubt it would be a barrier to making a deal. The question is are we talking Kyrou + Schenn, Bolduc/Neighbours + Schenn but if they are looking at a roster piece he could be a good candidate. It would certainly send shockwaves through the locker room to replace Schenn with EP though.

Yeah the locker room situation would give me some pause, but I would imagine they’d want a top 6 center in return.

Schenn+Bolduc(or another similar prospect)+’25 and ‘27 1sts could maybe get it done? Add one of Joseph/Texier for more cap if need be?

Holloway-Pettersson-Kyrou
Neighbours/Saad-Thomas-Buchnevich

That would be a very, very good top 6.

 

[Reality Czech]

Yeah the locker room situation would give me some pause, but I would imagine they’d want a top 6 center in return.

Schenn+Bolduc(or another similar prospect)+’25 and ‘27 1sts could maybe get it done? Add one of Joseph/Texier for more cap if need be?

Neighbours/Saad-Thomas-Buchnevich
Holloway-Pettersson-Kyrou

That would be a very, very good top 6.

I'm not sure it would even take that much and I'd be hesitant to give up the equivalent of 3 firsts. But Schenn, Bolduc a first and perhaps a lesser add isn't that far off from the package Buffalo got for Eichel. Schenn has less value than Tuch did due to age/contract but it might make Vancouver seriously consider it.

 

[PeoriaBlues309]

I'm not sure it would even take that much and I'd be hesitant to give up the equivalent of 3 firsts. But Schenn, Bolduc a first and perhaps a lesser add isn't that far off from the package Buffalo got for Eichel. Schenn has less value than Tuch did due to age/contract but it might make Vancouver seriously consider it.

Same, but I just didn’t wanna throw a lowball offer out there hahah.

 

[Snubbed4Vezina]

I feel like the Blues organization has too much respect for Schenn to even entertain moving him. He embodies they type of play-style/culture they're trying to build.

For better or worse, I expect him here for the long haul.

 

[Reality Czech]

I feel like the Blues organization has too much respect for Schenn to even entertain moving him. He embodies they type of play-style/culture they're trying to build.

For better or worse, I expect him here for the long haul.

I would agree. Team culture absolutely matters and he seems like such a big part of the team on and off the ice. That recent Neighbours interview really showed how important Schenn is to the younger guys off the ice (and Faulk as well). Of course no one is safe from a trade, but I agree that Army might not even consider it. That being said, Army might be the least emotional guy in the room.

For what it's worth, since his rough October Schenn has played at a 48 point pace (29gm, 5g, 11a +3). He's picked it up a lot after his slow start to the year.

 

[PJJJP]

I don't see the Canucks having any interest in Schenn as part of a package for Pettersson. The Eichel package is a blueprint for what it would take.

 

[Reality Czech]

I don't see the Canucks having any interest in Schenn as part of a package for Pettersson. The Eichel package is a blueprint for what it would take.

While they would likely prefer a younger roster player, trading EP will leave a big hole at C on their team. That's the only reason I can see them interested in Schenn, though it would obviously take a lot more than that. Not sure if Pius Suter and Teddy Blueger are good enough but their numbers aren't that bad.

 

[StlBigFly]

I noticed Theo Lindstein’s partner Tom Willander, Vancouver 11OA 2023 went the ncaa route.

I think Vancouver will have a home for him when he’s ready for it, but since the ncaa guys are unsigned, be interesting if we somehow acquired him and had a defensive pair that has some international experience together.

 

[Xerloris]

Getting EP would be spectacular for our center depth but losing Kyrou just when we have a 2nd line that's clicking instead of waiting to see how Dvo plays out, I just don't know.