2024-2025 Blues Trade Proposals Thread.

[Bye Bye Blueston]

If he's a 70 point, strong defensive player, which is worst case scenario, then it won't cripple us. There is no reason to think he won't beat that regularly. He's pacing 68- with injuries and some crazy drama.

How do you propose we get elite talent? We aren't tanking? We are too afraid of a bust to trade for it. Should we keep scraping the bottom of the barrel and praying?

Agreed. It’s like when eichel was available, it’s easy to lay out reasons it’s too risky. But if there isn’t risk guy like that doesn’t become available. If you can get elite talent while giving up collection of good but not elite talent, you need to do it.

 

[bleedblue1223]

Agreed. It’s like when eichel was available, it’s easy to lay out reasons it’s too risky. But if there isn’t risk guy like that doesn’t become available. If you can get elite talent while giving up collection of good but not elite talent, you need to do it.

Especially when they are at an age where you are getting prime years. I'd understand if people were hesitant to go for Miller, even if his contract was a bit shorter.

 

[StlBigFly]

The way the C situation, if someone like EP is available, you try and make that move. Anytime an elite player at a premium position or even just any elite player is available, you should be at least making a call. Aside from someone like that, I would be targeting someone like say a Morgan Geekie.

To me, the primary need isn't a #2 C, it's a #3 C. Schenn isn't great, but his numbers have been very good since Monty took over, about what I'd want from a #2 C. Our issue is that Sunny doesn't do anything offensively and should be a #4 C. If we can get someone that upgrades our #3 C, and is enough quality where they can swap with Schenn if need be and not be a roadblock for Dvorsky, that would be the ideal scenario short of just acquiring an elite C. Morgan Frost is another that I think would fit.

I'm not sure which specific players are likely to be available, but if we make a move, that's what I would prefer. I probably lean more towards just not really making a move and rolling with what we have, and using a call up if someone is ready.

The thing that makes me wonder what Army is up to, what are the motivations for potentially moving Saad. Is it to clear a roster spot for a young guy to come up, is it to try and acquire a draft pick since we've moved a lot of them in recent months, or is it to clear salary for another move for the NHL roster? Then again, it could all just be baseless rumors and he isn't going anywhere.

I think I’d guess the Saad part:

Holloway took his icetime and Bolduc was at camp too so he asked his agent to be moved. He may have done it as far back as when Holloway was signed or even before that too. It would make sense that some older players would want to control their future and find a good fit to end the career when they see their own team prioritize younger players. Saad maybe doesn’t want his last remaining effective years to be playing a supportive role on a retooling team and I don’t blame him if that’s the case. It shows his quality that he’s been a good pro about it, at least from my perspective. I hope he gets a cool opportunity if he goes.

 

[Brian39]

I find it hard to believe that shipping off Kyrou in a deal for EP puts us in a better situation. It's trading an elite offensive forward for a slightly better elite offensive forward who is having a down year at a different position. We'd be paying a premium to do so, and be paying futures to do so. Vancouver rightly should expect more on top of Kyrou.

I think Petey is more than a 'slightly better' upgrade to Kyrou, and I say that as one of Kyrou's biggest supporters around here. Petey outproduced Kyrou by 22 points last season and 29 points the season before. He is also a significantly better defensive player and is producing at almost the same pace as Kyrou this season through his down year. Centers as a rule impact the game more than wingers and we are deeper organizationally at wing than at center.

The acquisition cost on top of Kyrou and the difference in contracts could absolutely make a trade 'not worth it' but I think that the upgrade from Kyrou to Petey on the NHL roster short term and long one would be a pretty noticeable one.

Our best prospect is a two way center. He's most likely going to get some time this year at the end of the year like Bolduc did or start on the team next year. Schenn isn't a stud 2c by any means, but Holloway/Schenn/Kyrou has been a really good line. It seems like just shuffling the deck and redrawing the same hand. If we want to be competitive this year and next year, switching out Kyrou for Pettersson likely isn't enough, so why pay the premium to do it?

I'm not trying to suggest that Dvorsky will have near the impact of a Pettersson, but we are setup better to handle the addition of a top 6 C to the group in the near future than a top end RW. We also don't have a ton of cap space next year to add the top 6 RW to the group. Which then puts us in a position where a Neighbors or a Schenn will have to play RW on the 2nd line, not the worst thing in the world, but not necessarily fixing any holes that we have.

Dvorsky is a better prospect than Snuggy, but I'm not sure that he is better positioned to be a capable 2C before Snuggy can be a capable 2RW. I think it is much easier to step into a 2nd line winger role than a 2nd line center role in the NHL. Long term, we are bursting with LWs and there is a decent chance we will want/need to slide one over to RW just due to numbers alone.

Full disclaimer, my philosophy is that you can never have too many centers and that centers are generally more than capable of sliding over to wing. I view having three top 6 centers as a great thing for a team whereas having a surplus of wingers isn't nearly as helpful. When I look 2-3 years into the future of this organization, I think we need another center much more than we need to keep all our wingers.

Again, there is very much a tipping point where the assets in addition to Kyrou make a trade not worth it, but when we're just talking about the Kyrou for Petey portion of a theoretical swap, I think the upgrade would be substantial.

 

[Spektre]

I think Petey is more than a 'slightly better' upgrade to Kyrou, and I say that as one of Kyrou's biggest supporters around here. Petey outproduced Kyrou by 22 points last season and 29 points the season before. He is also a significantly better defensive player and is producing at almost the same pace as Kyrou this season through his down year. Centers as a rule impact the game more than wingers and we are deeper organizationally at wing than at center.

The acquisition cost on top of Kyrou and the difference in contracts could absolutely make a trade 'not worth it' but I think that the upgrade from Kyrou to Petey on the NHL roster short term and long one would be a pretty noticeable one.



Dvorsky is a better prospect than Snuggy, but I'm not sure that he is better positioned to be a capable 2C before Snuggy can be a capable 2RW. I think it is much easier to step into a 2nd line winger role than a 2nd line center role in the NHL. Long term, we are bursting with LWs and there is a decent chance we will want/need to slide one over to RW just due to numbers alone.

Full disclaimer, my philosophy is that you can never have too many centers and that centers are generally more than capable of sliding over to wing. I view having three top 6 centers as a great thing for a team whereas having a surplus of wingers isn't nearly as helpful. When I look 2-3 years into the future of this organization, I think we need another center much more than we need to keep all our wingers.

Again, there is very much a tipping point where the assets in addition to Kyrou make a trade not worth it, but when we're just talking about the Kyrou for Petey portion of a theoretical swap, I think the upgrade would be substantial.

This is why a trade for EP would cost Kyrou + something substantial. Even after adding to Kyrou, I'm not sure the Blues have what Vancouver would want in return. They would be creating a massive hole at C and also want to improve their top 4 D.

Schenn should really be a winger at this point. I highly doubt he would waive for Vancouver, and they may not want him regardless.

The Blues don't have a top 4 D to part with unless it's Leddy. He's not the kind of player they would want in an EP return. He's too old etc..

I could see Vancouver asking for Dvorski and rightly so. He could be the deal breaker from both sides. I like EP a lot, but I think the Blues are better off with Kyrou + Dvorski.

If Army is looking at Miller or EP, my guess is he would try to get Miller, and it's just a complete guess. I don't think Army would be scared off by Miller's age, but at the same time would use it as leverage in trade discussions.

 

[PocketNines]

I foresee the future Faulk + Jiricek + 1st proposals for some major RD acquisition, which will be interesting because some will want to simply keep Jiricek and we might go back and forth on which choice we want. Obviously Faulk's contract protection is a factor

 

[BleedBlue14]

I think Petey is more than a 'slightly better' upgrade to Kyrou, and I say that as one of Kyrou's biggest supporters around here. Petey outproduced Kyrou by 22 points last season and 29 points the season before. He is also a significantly better defensive player and is producing at almost the same pace as Kyrou this season through his down year. Centers as a rule impact the game more than wingers and we are deeper organizationally at wing than at center.

The acquisition cost on top of Kyrou and the difference in contracts could absolutely make a trade 'not worth it' but I think that the upgrade from Kyrou to Petey on the NHL roster short term and long one would be a pretty noticeable one.



Dvorsky is a better prospect than Snuggy, but I'm not sure that he is better positioned to be a capable 2C before Snuggy can be a capable 2RW. I think it is much easier to step into a 2nd line winger role than a 2nd line center role in the NHL. Long term, we are bursting with LWs and there is a decent chance we will want/need to slide one over to RW just due to numbers alone.

Full disclaimer, my philosophy is that you can never have too many centers and that centers are generally more than capable of sliding over to wing. I view having three top 6 centers as a great thing for a team whereas having a surplus of wingers isn't nearly as helpful. When I look 2-3 years into the future of this organization, I think we need another center much more than we need to keep all our wingers.

Again, there is very much a tipping point where the assets in addition to Kyrou make a trade not worth it, but when we're just talking about the Kyrou for Petey portion of a theoretical swap, I think the upgrade would be substantial.

While I can see that you have a really good point, I find it hard to believe that Pettersson is a 100 point player here in St. Louis. We don't have the supporting cast for that currently that he's surrounded by specifically on the power play. We don't have an elite 25 minute a night distributor on the backend.

I guess i'm arguing with myself here that Vancouver probably also doesn't have a Thomas, but it still begins the issue that you cannot play Petterson and Thomas together except in an all out push for offense scenario.

It's a continuous battle trying to decipher whether or not a player does better here or there due to personnel around them, but I can't overlook the role that having an elite puck mover on the backend would aid a guy like Pettersson whereas without one, it's not going to have the same impact on a guy like Kyrou who is more of a rush offensive type of player.

While you are right, slightly better wasn't doing it justice based on past performance between the two. I'm just not sure the difference is all that significant here until we hammer out a guy who can be a high end player on our backend distributing the puck.

Again all a situation in which you can never have the right answer, just food for thought.

 

[Majorityof1]

While I can see that you have a really good point, I find it hard to believe that Pettersson is a 100 point player here in St. Louis. We don't have the supporting cast for that currently that he's surrounded by specifically on the power play. We don't have an elite 25 minute a night distributor on the backend.

I guess i'm arguing with myself here that Vancouver probably also doesn't have a Thomas, but it still begins the issue that you cannot play Petterson and Thomas together except in an all out push for offense scenario.

It's a continuous battle trying to decipher whether or not a player does better here or there due to personnel around them, but I can't overlook the role that having an elite puck mover on the backend would aid a guy like Pettersson whereas without one, it's not going to have the same impact on a guy like Kyrou who is more of a rush offensive type of player.

While you are right, slightly better wasn't doing it justice based on past performance between the two. I'm just not sure the difference is all that significant here until we hammer out a guy who can be a high end player on our backend distributing the puck.

Again all a situation in which you can never have the right answer, just food for thought.

While Hughes is a huge benefit, Pettersson's best season was with suboptimal wings. I think we can surround him with talent. And if we can't then the points moot. It's not like Dvorsky is going to suceed without talent.

 

[BleedBlue14]

While Hughes is a huge benefit, Pettersson's best season was with suboptimal wings. I think we can surround him with talent. And if we can't then the points moot. It's not like Dvorsky is going to suceed without talent.

I would call Kyrou and Holloway talent. The equation is removing one of them and most likely much more. I have no doubt Pettersson would succeed here, it just depends on what you view succeeding as. If it's a 70-80 point C who dips up and down that's a win - and i think that's completely reasonable. But that's also what Kyrou is as a winger. I just don't see without an elite PPQB or a good PPQB and a #1 defenseman how he gets to the 90-100 point pace which is essentially 20 points ticking more than Kyrou. The question adds onto the where exactly does the + end up. Is it a Kyrou + Dvorsky + 1st? If that's where it's going towards and I'd imagine that's the framework of what Vancouver would want - I just don't see how it's worth it. I don't see how Vancouver would make a deal without a center this year or next coming in return either fwiw. In regards to suboptimal wings, I may be misremembering this, but wasn't a good deal of it with Boeser?

 

[Majorityof1]

I would call Kyrou and Holloway talent. The equation is removing one of them and most likely much more. I have no doubt Pettersson would succeed here, it just depends on what you view succeeding as. If it's a 70-80 point C who dips up and down that's a win - and i think that's completely reasonable. But that's also what Kyrou is as a winger. I just don't see without an elite PPQB or a good PPQB and a #1 defenseman how he gets to the 90-100 point pace which is essentially 20 points ticking more than Kyrou. The question adds onto the where exactly does the + end up. Is it a Kyrou + Dvorsky + 1st? If that's where it's going towards and I'd imagine that's the framework of what Vancouver would want - I just don't see how it's worth it. I don't see how Vancouver would make a deal without a center this year or next coming in return either fwiw. In regards to suboptimal wings, I may be misremembering this, but wasn't a good deal of it with Boeser?

Boeser was his 4th most common winger in 22-23 @ 200 minutes 5v5. Kuzmenko was clear #1@ 745 minutes and Mikheyev and Beauvillier were 2+3 @ 300 minutes.

If its Kyrou+ Dvorsky we walk. Everyone has said that who advocates the trade.

 

[Bye Bye Blueston]

I would call Kyrou and Holloway talent. The equation is removing one of them and most likely much more. I have no doubt Pettersson would succeed here, it just depends on what you view succeeding as. If it's a 70-80 point C who dips up and down that's a win - and i think that's completely reasonable. But that's also what Kyrou is as a winger. I just don't see without an elite PPQB or a good PPQB and a #1 defenseman how he gets to the 90-100 point pace which is essentially 20 points ticking more than Kyrou. The question adds onto the where exactly does the + end up. Is it a Kyrou + Dvorsky + 1st? If that's where it's going towards and I'd imagine that's the framework of what Vancouver would want - I just don't see how it's worth it. I don't see how Vancouver would make a deal without a center this year or next coming in return either fwiw. In regards to suboptimal wings, I may be misremembering this, but wasn't a good deal of it with Boeser?

Would be shocking if return is that high.

 

[BleedBlue14]

Would be shocking if return is that high.

Question is where does it wind up? I don't think we'd be better situated to make a deal than like a Buffalo anyways. It just seems hard to judge what they'd need. Kind of stinks for Vancouver, because they're a pretty well built team in terms of having alot of different elements to the team. I think without an insanely high return you just continue to run with both of them and tell them to figure it out.

 

[Brian39]

Question is where does it wind up? I don't think we'd be better situated to make a deal than like a Buffalo anyways. It just seems hard to judge what they'd need. Kind of stinks for Vancouver, because they're a pretty well built team in terms of having alot of different elements to the team. I think without an insanely high return you just continue to run with both of them and tell them to figure it out.

There is every indication that they have been telling them to figure it out for half a decade now. What tangible reason is there to believe that they can or will figure it out? What happens a year from now if they can't figure it out, both of them dig in their heels to "win" by being the guy left standing, and both tell the GM to trade the other guy because they aren't waiving their NMC? Or one/both agrees to waive but only for one specific destination?

Vaccouver shouldn't trade for a complete trash offer, but there are absolutely offers that fall well in between their desired return and the type of offers/returns they could be looking at 6+ months from now. There is very tangible risk to simply keeping them both and continuing to tell them to work it out.

 

[BleedBlue14]

There is every indication that they have been telling them to figure it out for half a decade now. What tangible reason is there to believe that they can or will figure it out? What happens a year from now if they can't figure it out, both of them dig in their heels to "win" by being the guy left standing, and both tell the GM to trade the other guy because they aren't waiving their NMC? Or one/both agrees to waive but only for one specific destination?

Vaccouver shouldn't trade for a complete trash offer, but there are absolutely offers that fall well in between their desired return and the type of offers/returns they could be looking at 6+ months from now. There is very tangible risk to simply keeping them both and continuing to tell them to work it out.

Definitely is. Issue is with the way Vancouver's roster is assembled I don't think that the Blues have what they would need in order to do so. Moreso, I'm not sure a Kyrou based deal makes the most sense for them due to them then needing a center.

 

[Xerloris]

Or like trading TJ Oshie for Troy Brouwer.

We would never!

Or maybe we traded specifically for a known Hawk killer when we were having Hawk issues in the playoffs and if I recall, that paid off for sure.

 

[Frenzy31]

Definitely is. Issue is with the way Vancouver's roster is assembled I don't think that the Blues have what they would need in order to do so. Moreso, I'm not sure a Kyrou based deal makes the most sense for them due to them then needing a center.

Who is offering a Center better than Kyrou as a player? No one. so..... We can talk about position, but no one is giving them a top line center for him and who has a top Dman to spare? Maybe Buffalo, but....

So

 

[bleedblue1223]

Probably leaked trade talk to try and get him going.

 

[PocketNines]

Probably leaked trade talk to try and get him going.

I just figured all the talk was pending veteran playoff contributor UFA + non playoff team

Based on recent comments the Blues definitely don't think they are out of it. Vancouver has given them an opening, especially if they can biff some games in hand. But next week the three games with CGY and Utah are so crucial. Thomas stated after the game the team thinks it is playing much better than its results. They absolutely need a streak. We have seen the Blues beat Anaheim by 4 goals then start a long streak of wins before. The offense is actually clicking. Buchnevich appears to be waking up. Montgomery has been good for numerous forwards. It's just that they have no runway for hiccups any more. I think this talk of keeping Saad is that internally, they feel like they're about to break out. Next week is a mini playoff week, they cannot scuffle through it and believe they're the cream of the wild card chasers

 

[bleedblue1223]

I just figured all the talk was pending veteran playoff contributor UFA + non playoff team

Based on recent comments the Blues definitely don't think they are out of it. Vancouver has given them an opening, especially if they can biff some games in hand. But next week the three games with CGY and Utah are so crucial. Thomas stated after the game the team thinks it is playing much better than its results. They absolutely need a streak. We have seen the Blues beat Anaheim by 4 goals then start a long streak of wins before. The offense is actually clicking. Buchnevich appears to be waking up. Montgomery has been good for numerous forwards. It's just that they have no runway for hiccups any more. I think this talk of keeping Saad is that internally, they feel like they're about to break out. Next week is a mini playoff week, they cannot scuffle through it and believe they're the cream of the wild card chasers

Vancouver and Calgary are already having talks of moving major players, so the opportunity is there for the Blues. Just need them to take it and string some wins together.

 

[Brian39]

Probably leaked trade talk to try and get him going.

I'm not convinced that it was a motivational thing and honestly I don't really care one way or another.

The reality right now is that the Saad-Thomas-Buch line has been pretty good since they were put together 5 games ago. Those 3 guys have 8 goals in those 5 games, with all 8 coming at even strength. And on top of them producing, the Holloway-Schenn-Kyrou line has been hot too. For the first time all year, both lines in the top 6 are scoring at the same time. And while the Neighbours/Bolduc 3rd line hasn't been producing much, they are also doing a good job of not getting scored on.

I don't know how much of all that is attributed to Saad's play actually improving, but even if you answer 'very little' his presence as an effective passenger on the top line has allowed Monty to spread more talent into the middle 6 for an effective top 9. Moving him would mean having to replace that role or risk hurting multiple lines.

I won't be surprised if we have taken him off the market, but I also won't be surprised if we are riding the wave, hoping he can stay hot for a couple more weeks to boost his stats/value and still wind up trading him before the deadline.

 

[TheOrganist]

I just figured all the talk was pending veteran playoff contributor UFA + non playoff team

He has another year left at 4.5 cap hit which I think would give contenders some pause…at least until the offseason when the speculation about the sizable cap increase is more concrete. I expect we’ll keep him and then if we have to move him next yr to make room for some kids it’ll be easier.

 

[bleedblue1223]

I'm not convinced that it was a motivational thing and honestly I don't really care one way or another.

The reality right now is that the Saad-Thomas-Buch line has been pretty good since they were put together 5 games ago. Those 3 guys have 8 goals in those 5 games, with all 8 coming at even strength. And on top of them producing, the Holloway-Schenn-Kyrou line has been hot too. For the first time all year, both lines in the top 6 are scoring at the same time. And while the Neighbours/Bolduc 3rd line hasn't been producing much, they are also doing a good job of not getting scored on.

I don't know how much of all that is attributed to Saad's play actually improving, but even if you answer 'very little' his presence as an effective passenger on the top line has allowed Monty to spread more talent into the middle 6 for an effective top 9. Moving him would mean having to replace that role or risk hurting multiple lines.

I won't be surprised if we have taken him off the market, but I also won't be surprised if we are riding the wave, hoping he can stay hot for a couple more weeks to boost his stats/value and still wind up trading him before the deadline.

Yeah, because I do think Army absolutely would've traded him if he found the right deal, he might still do that.

Right now, the main hole is #3 C. As you said, they don't produce much, but if they aren't getting scored on either, it's not the worst scenario. I am curious what happens there, as I think we continue to remain patient on Dvorsky and not force him into that spot. And at the same time, I don't know how aggressive we are in filling it, knowing that Dvorsky will likely be up next season.

 

[PocketNines]

He has another year left at 4.5 cap hit which I think would give contenders some pause…at least until the offseason when the speculation about the sizable cap increase is more concrete. I expect we’ll keep him and then if we have to move him next yr to make room for some kids it’ll be easier.

you can see how long since it's been since I was on capfriendly

 

[TheOrganist]

I'm not convinced that it was a motivational thing and honestly I don't really care one way or another.

The reality right now is that the Saad-Thomas-Buch line has been pretty good since they were put together 5 games ago. Those 3 guys have 8 goals in those 5 games, with all 8 coming at even strength. And on top of them producing, the Holloway-Schenn-Kyrou line has been hot too. For the first time all year, both lines in the top 6 are scoring at the same time. And while the Neighbours/Bolduc 3rd line hasn't been producing much, they are also doing a good job of not getting scored on.

I don't know how much of all that is attributed to Saad's play actually improving, but even if you answer 'very little' his presence as an effective passenger on the top line has allowed Monty to spread more talent into the middle 6 for an effective top 9. Moving him would mean having to replace that role or risk hurting multiple lines.

I won't be surprised if we have taken him off the market, but I also won't be surprised if we are riding the wave, hoping he can stay hot for a couple more weeks to boost his stats/value and still wind up trading him before the deadline.

He's playing much better and has helped balance the lines. If he continues to play like that it would likely mean the team is playing well and would very much be a contender for the playoffs come trade deadline. I really don't see Army being in "future asset accumulation" mode if the team is in striking distance in March. An offseason trade, if it manifests, would be much more likely.

 

[Brian39]

Yeah, because I do think Army absolutely would've traded him if he found the right deal, he might still do that.

Right now, the main hole is #3 C. As you said, they don't produce much, but if they aren't getting scored on either, it's not the worst scenario. I am curious what happens there, as I think we continue to remain patient on Dvorsky and not force him into that spot. And at the same time, I don't know how aggressive we are in filling it, knowing that Dvorsky will likely be up next season.

I think the "plan" is for Dvorsky to stay under 10 NHL games this year so his ELC slides. However, there is a certain level of "readiness" where I'm 100% confident that Army would burn the year if it appears that Dvorsky is capable of both contributing in the NHL and not harming/risking his development.

In my perfect world, the current Blues roster plays well enough to be sitting in (or just out of) playoff position at the 4 Nations break without bringing in a 3C. The Blues resume play from that tournament on 2/22 and Springfield has 17 games between now and then. I'm really, really rooting for this Blues team to gain some ground in the playoff hunt in the next month. If they can do that, it buys us time to wait on a potential 3C acquisition and give Dvorsky a real shot at earning a promotion this year.

I'm not convinced that Dvorsky can/will earn that promotion, but I want to see him get that chance.

He's playing much better and has helped balance the lines. If he continues to play like that it would likely mean the team is playing well and would very much be a contender for the playoffs come trade deadline. I really don't see Army being in "future asset accumulation" mode if the team is in striking distance in March. An offseason trade, if it manifests, would be much more likely.

I don't disagree, but I also think that Army wants Snuggy in the top 9 at the end of the season. I don't know whether that is because he believes he will be an immediate upgrade or because he believes that we need to give Snuggy that opportunity to make sure he signs here. Army's public comments about Snuggy packing enough stuff to stay in St. Louis after the Frozen 4 could just be a full court press to get him to sign a contract before things get really uncomfortable. But he is making it crystal clear that Snuggy has a spot on this team in April if he signs and I think Army very much would like to point at a winger in our top 9 and tell Snuggy "this is your spot in the lineup in our next game if you sign today."

Trading Saad opens up a spot. You slide Bolduc to LW then Snuggy has a spot on the 3rd line. Without trading Saad, Snuggy has to force one of Saad, Bolduc, or Neighbours to the 4th line.

I do see a scenario where we are a contender come the trade deadline, but still trade Saad with the hope that we can still make the playoffs without him and then add Snuggy to the mix the instant his college season is over.

There is a plausible future where this team plays itself into playoff position approaching the deadline, trades Faksa and Saad for futures, calls up Dvorsky to fill the 3C hole, treads water with Texier/Joseph plugging the hole created by Saad's trade, adds Snuggy to the top 9 when his college season ends, and makes the playoffs with a super young top 9 forward group that previews the future:

Bolduc-Thomas-Buch
Holloway-Schenn-Kyrou
Neighbours-Dvorsky-Snuggy

I absolutely don't think that is the most likely scenario or even a very likely scenario. But I don't think it is outside the realm of possibility.