2024-2025 Blues Trade Proposals Thread.

[Xerloris]

I think next year we see something like this:

Buchnevich - Thomas - Snuggerud
Holloway - Schenn - Kyrou
Neighbours - Dvorsky - Bolduc
Toropchenko - Sundqvist - Joseph
Walker, Texier

Fowler - Parayko
Broberg - Faulk
Suter - Leddy
Tucker, Kessel

Binnington
Hofer

The reason I have Snuggerud on the first line is not because I see him making an immediate impact in the top 6, but rather just balancing lines and finding ways to get the best out of all the players. I view that decision similarly to when we had Sanford or Blais playing with ROR and Perron. I don't see them putting Dvorsky and Snuggerud together on the 3rd line, and I don't see either playing on the 4th line. I also don't see us breaking up the Holloway line, so that really only leaves putting Snuggerud with Thomas, unless they send Dvorsky or Snuggerud to the AHL. Any way you organize it though, this is a very, very good forward group if we see even okay development from Dvorsky and Snuggerud.

I don't think we're gonna see Snuggy on the top line that soon.

 

[ToastedRavioli]

I don't think we're gonna see Snuggy on the top line that soon.

I totally get that opinion and I do not believe that Snuggerud will be putting up world-ending points next year either. However, the only options I really see are he plays on the first line with Thomas as a sort of Sanford fill-in player, he plays with Dvorsky on the 3rd line, he plays on the fourth line, or he plays in the AHL. None of those really seem that likely to me. I think Snuggerud will likely get assurances from management that he wont play in the AHL if he signs this year. I also don't see the Blues putting Dvorsky and Snuggerud on a line together. Maybe Dvorsky starts in the AHL I guess? I don't think a lot of us saw Bolduc playing on the 1st line this year but they have slotted him there at times. I could see the same with Snuggerud. That doesn't mean he'll be a top 3 or even top 6 forward for the Blues, just that those specific line formations may be beneficial.

 

[LGB]

I think next year may be a unique opportunity with this team hopefully having a little playoff experience under their belt and Holloway still on his incredible value contract. Would love if we could bring in a difference making vet on a short term deal. Tavares would be the dream. Our top 9 would be insane.

 

[Majorityof1]

I totally get that opinion and I do not believe that Snuggerud will be putting up world-ending points next year either. However, the only options I really see are he plays on the first line with Thomas as a sort of Sanford fill-in player, he plays with Dvorsky on the 3rd line, he plays on the fourth line, or he plays in the AHL. None of those really seem that likely to me. I think Snuggerud will likely get assurances from management that he wont play in the AHL if he signs this year. I also don't see the Blues putting Dvorsky and Snuggerud on a line together. Maybe Dvorsky starts in the AHL I guess? I don't think a lot of us saw Bolduc playing on the 1st line this year but they have slotted him there at times. I could see the same with Snuggerud. That doesn't mean he'll be a top 3 or even top 6 forward for the Blues, just that those specific line formations may be beneficial.

Why should Snuggerud get a promise not to play in the AHL but no other prospect does? If he thinks he is too good for the AHL without having to prove it, forget him. He either signs with AHL on the table if he needs it, or we should trade his rights.

Dvorsky is a better prospect, better player and he gets no such guarantees.

 

[BleedBlue14]

Why should Snuggerud get a promise not to play in the AHL but no other prospect does? If he thinks he is too good for the AHL without having to prove it, forget him. He either signs with AHL on the table if he needs it, or we should trade his rights.

Dvorsky is a better prospect, better player and he gets no such guarantees.

Snuggerud is a year further into his development than Dvorsky.

It’s not going to matter for either of them if they aren’t ready. The team isn’t going to make full on concessions for them if they’re struggling to stick. However, given where Snuggerud is in his development I’d be more surprised than not if he doesn’t get a few games with the NHL team this year as a bar to see where he’s at.

I’d doubt either him or the team isn’t against having him play AHL games next year if they’re going to have limited opportunities in STL.

I think a lot of us are over blowing the pack the bags to stay in STL after comments. It’s not uncommon for signed collegiate players to get a couple of games at the NHL level following their last year in college to get an assessment of where they are. If I remember right Blues did it with Reinke not long ago.

Carolina didn’t I believe with Blake and Nadeau last year. Just naming some that are on the front of my mind.

That doesn’t gaurantee a spot, but you hope that those guys at that stage in their development are able to take the roster spot and run with it.

 

[Majorityof1]

Snuggerud is a year further into his development than Dvorsky.

It’s not going to matter for either of them if they aren’t ready. The team isn’t going to make full on concessions for them if they’re struggling to stick. However, given where Snuggerud is in his development I’d be more surprised than not if he doesn’t get a few games with the NHL team this year as a bar to see where he’s at.

I’d doubt either him or the team isn’t against having him play AHL games next year if they’re going to have limited opportunities in STL.

I think a lot of us are over blowing the pack the bags to stay in STL after comments. It’s not uncommon for signed collegiate players to get a couple of games at the NHL level following their last year in college to get an assessment of where they are. If I remember right Blues did it with Reinke not long ago.

Carolina didn’t I believe with Blake and Nadeau last year. Just naming some that are on the front of my mind.

That doesn’t gaurantee a spot, but you hope that those guys at that stage in their development are able to take the roster spot and run with it.

Bolduc is a year further than Snugerud and went to the AHL this year. He didn't get a no AHL guarantee.

I was replying to a poster who said we'd guarantee he would not go to the AHL. "I think Snuggerud will likely get assurances from management that he wont play in the AHL if he signs this year". That is what I was responding to, not the pack his bags for STL quote, not doubting he'd get some NHL games. I was saying we will not promise to keep him in the NHL if he does not deserve to be there.

I don't think there is any chance the Blues make that promise. They do a pretty good job of not treating certain players special, almost to our detriment. They won't give "he who shall not be a named" a no AHL guarantee. They aren't starting with Snuggerud.

 

[Xerloris]

Bolduc is a year further than Snugerud and went to the AHL this year. He didn't get a no AHL guarantee.

I was replying to a poster who said we'd guarantee he would not go to the AHL. "I think Snuggerud will likely get assurances from management that he wont play in the AHL if he signs this year". That is what I was responding to, not the pack his bags for STL quote, not doubting he'd get some NHL games. I was saying we will not promise to keep him in the NHL if he does not deserve to be there.

I don't think there is any chance the Blues make that promise. They do a pretty good job of not treating certain players special, almost to our detriment. They won't give "he who shall not be a named" a no AHL guarantee. They aren't starting with Snuggerud.

I think Snuggy has assurances that he will get NHL games this season, right now but I don't think he has assurances for next year.

 

[MissouriMook]

I think Snuggy has assurances that he will get NHL games this season, right now but I don't think he has assurances for next year.

I’m pretty sure I read that he CAN’T play in the AHL this season because he signed an ELC and not a PTO/ATO for this season. In that case, it’s NHL or nothing, but I think it will be good for his development to be with the big club, even if it is just in a Black Ace capacity. Remember, he’s never had a professional training camp, only rookie camps.

 

[Reality Czech]

I’m pretty sure I read that he CAN’T play in the AHL this season because he signed an ELC and not a PTO/ATO for this season. In that case, it’s NHL or nothing, but I think it will be good for his development to be with the big club, even if it is just in a Black Ace capacity. Remember, he’s never had a professional training camp, only rookie camps.

Not sure why he wouldn't be able to play AHL games, though they may just keep him up with the big club and let him practice and get to know the guys a bit. I'm also just listening to Friedman saying teams only get 4 call ups after the deadline so that might play into the decision.

As for Snuggerud getting assurances he'll play NHL games this year. I seriously doubt that happened. I've said it before but if he puts his ego ahead of what's best for the team then he's not getting off to a good start. I doubt Army or any GM would promise a guy that he'll get to play in NHL games and besides, that's not even Army's decision who plays and who doesn't. Snuggy should have to earn his spot just like everyone else.

 

[Bye Bye Blueston]

Not sure why he wouldn't be able to play AHL games, though they may just keep him up with the big club and let him practice and get to know the guys a bit. I'm also just listening to Friedman saying teams only get 4 call ups after the deadline so that might play into the decision.

As for Snuggerud getting assurances he'll play NHL games this year. I seriously doubt that happened. I've said it before but if he puts his ego ahead of what's best for the team then he's not getting off to a good start. I doubt Army or any GM would promise a guy that he'll get to play in NHL games and besides, that's not even Army's decision who plays and who doesn't. Snuggy should have to earn his spot just like everyone else.

Snuggy is not eligible to play Springfield this season. He would have had to sign ATO and start contract next year like Stancl did.

 

[Majorityof1]

Snuggy is not eligible to play Springfield this season. He would have had to sign ATO and start contract next year like Stancl did.

What rule is it that doesn't allow AHL games? He cannot play in the playoffs because he was not on the AHL roster at the trade deadline. But he should be able to play in the regular season unless there is a separate rule I am not aware of.

I don't disbelieve you. I am just curious about the rule.

 

[Bye Bye Blueston]

What rule is it that doesn't allow AHL games? He cannot play in the playoffs because he was not on the AHL roster at the trade deadline. But he should be able to play in the regular season unless there is a separate rule I am not aware of.

I don't disbelieve you. I am just curious about the rule.

 

[Stupendous Yappi]

During his in-game interview today when asked about Dvorsky getting more games said, “We’re in the winning games business.”

I would think Snuggerud’s ice time will be similarly prioritized. I’m nit saying it’s not possible either play, but this team is in playoff prep mode.

 

[MortiestOfMortys]

During his in-game interview today when asked about Dvorsky getting more games said, “We’re in the winning games business.”

I would think Snuggerud’s ice time will be similarly prioritized. I’m nit saying it’s not possible either play, but this team is in playoff prep mode.

Correct. And if Snuggerud or Dvorsky gives us the best chance of winning on any given night, they'll play. I think that's possible for both of them. Especially against a team like Detroit.

 

[bleedblue1223]

Unless injuries hit, neither are playing until a playoff spot is clinched. That's the only reason Dvorsky even came in.

 

[TheOrganist]

Matthew Joseph played 7 minutes today. If we get to the playoffs and the offense dries up and we need a spark that’s prob who Snuggles would replace.

 

[Beninnola]

nvm

 

[Mike Liut]

Matthew Joseph played 7 minutes today. If we get to the playoffs and the offense dries up and we need a spark that’s prob who Snuggles would replace.

Maybe, but Joseph does bring physicality and good D

 

[Reality Czech]

Matthew Joseph played 7 minutes today. If we get to the playoffs and the offense dries up and we need a spark that’s prob who Snuggles would replace.

I think it's obvious he would be the first player taken out, but it's also worth mentioning we don't need him to play more than 7 minutes a game. It's not like he played badly. Coach is just playing his best players as much as possible. He's heavily leaning on the 4th line for defense and forechecking and the other 3rd liners get a lot of special teams time.

 

[Celtic Note]

I wouldn’t sell him short. I don’t think we know his ceiling yet. His skating, shot, and passing all look better this year. Was it Hitch who used to say “hard work is a skill”?

I agree that his skill set will be his limit. While I think he is closer to his potential than not, I do believe he has room for and will achieve additional improvement. It seems like the realistic expectation is for that to be in incremental growth as opposed to larger steps. The areas I would expect to see the most growth are defensively, improved reading of the play and possibly puck distribution.

In no way is any of that a knock on Neighbours. He is a great find at his draft position, he has a great attitude and is willing to do what he has to in the battle. He is a great complimentary, secondary core player.

I would not be surprised to see a few years where he reaches higher point totals when paired with teammates that can elevate his offensive game and he can be the third wheel on a very productive line.

 

[Celtic Note]

Fair enough. Not every player's "tools" are so obvious or flashy. Someone could watch ROR play and he wouldn't jump off the screen as one of the best players on the ice. People seem to act like scoring goals from the perimeter count for more than goals scored in front of the net, but I'd argue there are fewer guys that can survive in that part of the ice than the perimeters.

I'm just a bit confused because he's already shown he can be an effective top 6 player at the age of 22, but for some reason people think he'll be 3rd-line caliber during his prime years. Guess we will see in a few years. I'd bet that he'll spend more time in the top 6 than on the 3rd line for most of his career, but of course that depends on a lot of things.

ROR jumped off the ice to me and I believe others too. But it wasn’t because he was flashy, nor because he was a hard worker (which he was certainly the later). It was his intelligence and hand eye coordination that was exceptional. If Jake had a hockey IQ remotely close to ROR, then I think the ceiling would be much higher. That’s not a knock on Jake. ROR was just at an incredibly high level in that regard. He certainly overcame his skating to the point where I would say it almost didn’t matter because he always knew where to be in all three zones. It’s not the sexiest skill to most (not aimed at anyone), but it’s incredible to witness.

 

[Xerloris]

I think Jake needs to be our net front presence. Bolduc and Snuggy are gonna need someone f***ing with the goalie while they rip one-timers. Yes Jake, it's going to hurt sometimes.

 

[A Real Barn Burner]

I think Jake needs to be our net front presence. Bolduc and Snuggy are gonna need someone f***ing with the goalie while they rip one-timers. Yes Jake, it's going to hurt sometimes.

Being a center would make that easier. As Schenn’s protege, I wish they would give him a chance at center. In my opinion, he would be an ideal third-line center if he replicates his game after Scheen. Probably would never happen but would make Neighbors much more valuable imho if he could play a premium position.

 

[joe galiba]

Being a center would make that easier. As Schenn’s protege, I wish they would give him a chance at center. In my opinion, he would be an ideal third-line center if he replicates his game after Scheen. Probably would never happen but would make Neighbors much more valuable imho if he could play a premium position.

I don’t think he has the talent and IQ that Schenn has

Schenn’s style of play has lead to injuries as he has gotten older, we kind of forgot how good he was when younger and healthier

 

[Davimir Tarablad]

Being a center would make that easier. As Schenn’s protege, I wish they would give him a chance at center. In my opinion, he would be an ideal third-line center if he replicates his game after Scheen. Probably would never happen but would make Neighbors much more valuable imho if he could play a premium position.

I don’t think that’s a feasible option. Given he played wing in juniors, he’s so far removed from the last time he might have played center. It’d be a massive commitment to get him to transition to center, and odds are it wouldn’t work out in the end. Plus I think it’d hurt his growth as a player overall to commit to learning center, so we’d end up with a lesser version of the Neighbours we could have had and no center to show for it.