2024-2025 Blues Trade Proposals Thread.

[A Real Barn Burner]

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

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.

I understand and agree with many of the points you both make. However, Backes moved to center and Scheen played wing in Philadelphia. Despite any reservations, it makes logical sense to try him out, considering that we have Thomas and Dvorsky as a formidable 1-2 punch at center for the foreseeable future, and our top six is already crowded, let alone potential future top nine if many of our prospect hit. That 3C spot should be open, and I’m not aware of any prospect in our pool who is 100 percent guaranteed to fill it. I believe Nieghbors’ game is similar to Backes’, and I think it would translate extremely well to center. While he may not have Schenn’s IQ, and his growth might require him to develop different skills than he’s currently honing, I think the risk is worth taking if you want him to be here long-term.

The core issue with this concept lies in the fact that both Dvorsky and Nieghbors would require the 3C position next year to learn it. Since Dvorsky is likely to occupy that spot, it seems unlikely that this scenario will materialize. Nevertheless, if Dvorsky starts in the AHL once again to start the season next year or if he needs to learn the NHL game at wing and not center, I genuinely hope we consider giving it a try.

 

[MortiestOfMortys]

I understand and agree with many of the points you both make. However, Backes moved to center and Scheen played wing in Philadelphia. Despite any reservations, it makes logical sense to try him out, considering that we have Thomas and Dvorsky as a formidable 1-2 punch at center for the foreseeable future, and our top six is already crowded, let alone potential future top nine if many of our prospect hit. That 3C spot should be open, and I’m not aware of any prospect in our pool who is 100 percent guaranteed to fill it. I believe Nieghbors’ game is similar to Backes’, and I think it would translate extremely well to center. While he may not have Schenn’s IQ, and his growth might require him to develop different skills than he’s currently honing, I think the risk is worth taking if you want him to be here long-term.

The core issue with this concept lies in the fact that both Dvorsky and Nieghbors would require the 3C position next year to learn it. Since Dvorsky is likely to occupy that spot, it seems unlikely that this scenario will materialize. Nevertheless, if Dvorsky starts in the AHL once again to start the season next year or if he needs to learn the NHL game at wing and not center, I genuinely hope we consider giving it a try.

I don’t mind the idea in theory. But I don’t think Jake has ever played center before, which would be an uphill battle. We did draft Stenberg as a center (and Bolduc, fwiw), so maybe one of them is a better option.

But just a reminder: it took Backes years to make the shift from RW to C. He was god awful at first. Maybe we’re in a position to go through that again, since centers are so hard to come by. But it’s not an easy shift to make by any means. Buchnevich tried earlier this season and failed miserably. I wouldn’t say that Jake has a better chance of sticking with it than Buch, but I guess it’s possible.

 

[BlueMed]

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 possible to be honest. Jake just isn't that type of player. He's a power-forward with the mold of a Brenden Morrow or Dustin Brown. Those players had no limitations creating a net-front presence as wingers. That area has no relation to which forward position one plays.

 

[Reality Czech]

I don’t mind the idea in theory. But I don’t think Jake has ever played center before, which would be an uphill battle. We did draft Stenberg as a center (and Bolduc, fwiw), so maybe one of them is a better option.

But just a reminder: it took Backes years to make the shift from RW to C. He was god awful at first. Maybe we’re in a position to go through that again, since centers are so hard to come by. But it’s not an easy shift to make by any means. Buchnevich tried earlier this season and failed miserably. I wouldn’t say that Jake has a better chance of sticking with it than Buch, but I guess it’s possible.

If anyone is getting moved to center, Holloway would be the more likely option since he's actually got experience playing the position.

 

[A Real Barn Burner]

If anyone is getting moved to center, Holloway would be the more likely option since he's actually got experience playing the position.

True, I just don’t know if we will ever mess with that lines chemistry considering how well they are playing.

 

[DatDude44]

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.

Personally, I want to see Snuggy with Thomas. But for the sake of developing the earn it mentality that I believe is extremely important for young players long term development outside of the physical tangibles. I think bolduc and/or Neighbours will get the top line opportunity first.

Once Snuggy establishes himself and builds Monty + the rest of the teams trust, then I think he’ll earn his way up the lineup. But I bet we slow cook and shelter his minutes/matchups next year, similiar to Bolduc this year.

 

[Brian39]

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.

He was under 10 against Nashville too. His 9:42 was only 36 seconds ahead of Texier while being a a full 3 minutes behind 10th (Sunny). His 7:52 against Colorado was 2:43 behind 11th place (Walker). He's averaging 12:15 a night during the 9 game winning streak, which is the lowest ATOI of our regulars in that stretch. The next-lowest is Torpo at 13:03.

I'm still content with his game and he is playing a real role. But it is pretty clear that Monty doesn't view him as a critical cog in the lineup. Back-to-back games below 10 minutes is usually an indication that the coach would be happy to put an upgrade into the lineup and I'm not sure that the vibes of a winning streak is enough to keep that player in. Or who knows, Joseph could simply be dealing with a playable injury that is limiting him.

 

[bleedblue1223]

He was under 10 against Nashville too. His 9:42 was only 36 seconds ahead of Texier while being a a full 3 minutes behind 10th (Sunny). His 7:52 against Colorado was 2:43 behind 11th place (Walker). He's averaging 12:15 a night during the 9 game winning streak, which is the lowest ATOI of our regulars in that stretch. The next-lowest is Torpo at 13:03.

I'm still content with his game and he is playing a real role. But it is pretty clear that Monty doesn't view him as a critical cog in the lineup. Back-to-back games below 10 minutes is usually an indication that the coach would be happy to put an upgrade into the lineup and I'm not sure that the vibes of a winning streak is enough to keep that player in. Or who knows, Joseph could simply be dealing with a playable injury that is limiting him.

And this probably does highlight that it would be easy to shelter Snuggerud because the 9th foward in the top 9 isn't required to play the 9th most minutes, Monty is comfortable playing the 4th line a decent amount of the time, where other teams try to minimize a 4th line usage.

 

[TheOrganist]

He was under 10 against Nashville too. His 9:42 was only 36 seconds ahead of Texier while being a a full 3 minutes behind 10th (Sunny). His 7:52 against Colorado was 2:43 behind 11th place (Walker). He's averaging 12:15 a night during the 9 game winning streak, which is the lowest ATOI of our regulars in that stretch. The next-lowest is Torpo at 13:03.

I'm still content with his game and he is playing a real role. But it is pretty clear that Monty doesn't view him as a critical cog in the lineup. Back-to-back games below 10 minutes is usually an indication that the coach would be happy to put an upgrade into the lineup and I'm not sure that the vibes of a winning streak is enough to keep that player in. Or who knows, Joseph could simply be dealing with a playable injury that is limiting him.

I've been to a few games in person recently and I would say he's a passable NHL player at most aspects of the game but certainly not a key cog as you alluded to...but him and Snuggles could be nice players to use interchangably in the playoffs (particularly depending how special teams are running...Bolduc and Snuggles with elite shots on opposite sides would be a PK nightmare) is an example on how both players could be used effectively.

 

[taylord22]

He was under 10 against Nashville too. His 9:42 was only 36 seconds ahead of Texier while being a a full 3 minutes behind 10th (Sunny). His 7:52 against Colorado was 2:43 behind 11th place (Walker). He's averaging 12:15 a night during the 9 game winning streak, which is the lowest ATOI of our regulars in that stretch. The next-lowest is Torpo at 13:03.

I'm still content with his game and he is playing a real role. But it is pretty clear that Monty doesn't view him as a critical cog in the lineup. Back-to-back games below 10 minutes is usually an indication that the coach would be happy to put an upgrade into the lineup and I'm not sure that the vibes of a winning streak is enough to keep that player in. Or who knows, Joseph could simply be dealing with a playable injury that is limiting him.

I've said this elsewhere, but, he has a tendency to turn the puck over during line changes. I don't think Monty loves this, especially when it's potentially putting Sunny in a position to extend a shift. Previously when he's held him out of the line-up, when asked, he's mentioned things along the lines of "predictable and putting teammates in positions to succeed" - I'm not positive, but I'm fairly sure its the turnovers at the end of shifts.

I like Joseph quite a bit for what he brings, and I feel for the guy. He's in one of the most unusual spots on the team in terms of trying to secure a roster spot and his overall standing in the NHL. Clearly an NHL player through and through -and a great locker room guy- but he can chase individual offense, so he ends up making a lot of the same mistakes that rookies tend to make.

 

[Frenzy31]

He was under 10 against Nashville too. His 9:42 was only 36 seconds ahead of Texier while being a a full 3 minutes behind 10th (Sunny). His 7:52 against Colorado was 2:43 behind 11th place (Walker). He's averaging 12:15 a night during the 9 game winning streak, which is the lowest ATOI of our regulars in that stretch. The next-lowest is Torpo at 13:03.

I'm still content with his game and he is playing a real role. But it is pretty clear that Monty doesn't view him as a critical cog in the lineup. Back-to-back games below 10 minutes is usually an indication that the coach would be happy to put an upgrade into the lineup and I'm not sure that the vibes of a winning streak is enough to keep that player in. Or who knows, Joseph could simply be dealing with a playable injury that is limiting him.

Sunny gets PP time. Torpo get PK time.

 

[Reality Czech]

He was under 10 against Nashville too. His 9:42 was only 36 seconds ahead of Texier while being a a full 3 minutes behind 10th (Sunny). His 7:52 against Colorado was 2:43 behind 11th place (Walker). He's averaging 12:15 a night during the 9 game winning streak, which is the lowest ATOI of our regulars in that stretch. The next-lowest is Torpo at 13:03.

I'm still content with his game and he is playing a real role. But it is pretty clear that Monty doesn't view him as a critical cog in the lineup. Back-to-back games below 10 minutes is usually an indication that the coach would be happy to put an upgrade into the lineup and I'm not sure that the vibes of a winning streak is enough to keep that player in. Or who knows, Joseph could simply be dealing with a playable injury that is limiting him.

This is true but I think Joseph's ice time is limited because Monty is playing everyone else as much as possible, not necessarily because Joseph is doing anything wrong. Considering how effective the 4th line is as a unit, Joseph is basically our 12th forward. If he got more ice time he'd only be taking it from someone who deserves it more. I don't really see it as an issue. Someone's gotta get the short end of the stick.

To his credit, he's looked really good lately and making the most of his limited minutes. He was just kind of there for the first half of the season, but he's ramped it up to become an effective energy, forechecking, get-under-the-skin kind of guy and his speed is noticeable.

 

[Brian39]

Sunny gets PP time. Torpo get PK time.

And Joseph gets PK time. The 'extra' deployment on special teams is part of what makes those two more important to the team's success than Joseph. Joseph averaged 7:34 at even strength in the last 2 games. There were 11 total powerplays across both games, which isn't a huge number that caused most the game to be played on special teams.

This is true but I think Joseph's ice time is limited because Monty is playing everyone else as much as possible, not necessarily because Joseph is doing anything wrong. Considering how effective the 4th line is as a unit, Joseph is basically our 12th forward. If he got more ice time he'd only be taking it from someone who deserves it more. I don't really see it as an issue. Someone's gotta get the short end of the stick.

To his credit, he's looked really good lately and making the most of his limited minutes. He was just kind of there for the first half of the season, but he's ramped it up to become an effective energy, forechecking, get-under-the-skin kind of guy and his speed is noticeable.

Like I said, I'm content with his game.

But being the 12th forward who is on the bench for 50+ minutes a night to avoid 'taking ice time from someone who deserves it more' is not an indication that a guy is too important to the team's recent success to be taken out of the lineup. In the 9 game winning streak he is one of just 4 forwards without a positive goal differential at 5 on 5. He and Texier at at 50%, Sunny is at 33%, and Dvorsky is undefined at 0 GF and 0 GA. He has the 3rd worst xGF%, scoring chance percentage, and high danger percentage in the same 9 game stretch (Texier and Dvorsky are below him). His zone starts are all middle of the pack on the team while the WTF line and Sunny are getting noticeably more defensive usage.

We are (at best) treading water with him on the ice during this win streak and the coach has started scaling back his minutes (he has lost TOI compared to his previous game in each of our last 4 games). Again, I'm content with his play. If there is a deep playoff run to be made here, he is going to be in a non-meaningless number of games in that run.

But when we are talking about whether we can get a high-end 20 year old into the NHL lineup, being a tread-water 12th forward on a team's '3rd' line is not a role so valuable that you can't disrupt the lineup. Sometimes in the NHL bottom-of-the-lineup guys get moved in and out of the lineup without doing anything "wrong" or being "an issue" simply because they aren't contributing enough. That's where I'm at with Joseph. I don't see him contributing as much as he was a couple weeks ago.

To put it bluntly, we need more scoring from our '3rd' line than we are getting out of it if we are going to have playoff success. We've gotten 21 even strength goals out of the top 2 lines during the win streak. The 3rd and 4th lines have combined for 5 goals: 3 from the WTF line and 2 from the (rotating) 3rd line. To their credit, the bottom 6 are also doing a good job of preventing the other team from scoring. But we're not going to win 4 of 7 against multiple good teams if we're asking our top 6 to provide enough offense to outscore the other team's top 6 AND our special teams weakness. We simply need more production from the 3rd line once playoffs get here.

 

[Linkens Mastery]

Hopefully we can unload Texier in the offseason for a mid-late round pick. He's the only forward I do not want to see in a Blues Jersey again after this season.

 

[MortiestOfMortys]

Hopefully we can unload Texier in the offseason for a mid-late round pick. He's the only forward I do not want to see in a Blues Jersey again after this season.

He has somehow managed to score at a 30-point pace. Surely someone will be willing to take a swing on that for $2.1mil.

But by that same token, we could do worse than that for a 13th/14th forward for one more year. I don’t think we want any of the Springfield crew to be that next year. So getting rid of Tex probably means replacing him in free agency. Maybe there’s someone out there we can get for cheaper who’s a better fit, but idk.

 

[ChicagoBlues]

He has somehow managed to score at a 30-point pace. Surely someone will be willing to take a swing on that for $2.1mil.

But by that same token, we could do worse than that for a 13th/14th forward for one more year. I don’t think we want any of the Springfield crew to be that next year. So getting rid of Tex probably means replacing him in free agency. Maybe there’s someone out there we can get for cheaper who’s a better fit, but idk.

This might be the wiser decision.

 

[Linkens Mastery]

He has somehow managed to score at a 30-point pace. Surely someone will be willing to take a swing on that for $2.1mil.

But by that same token, we could do worse than that for a 13th/14th forward for one more year. I don’t think we want any of the Springfield crew to be that next year. So getting rid of Tex probably means replacing him in free agency. Maybe there’s someone out there we can get for cheaper who’s a better fit, but idk.

I'd rather trade Texier and resign Faksa. Snuggy will take over Texier's spot in the lineup.

 

[ChicagoBlues]

I'd rather trade Texier and resign Faksa. Snuggy will take over Texier's spot in the lineup.

Both Dvorsky and Snuggerud in the lineup next season? I can see it happening but only because, right behind them, are at least three more guys to integrate in Stenberg, Pekarcik and Stancl. Two of those five guys will be traded or else we will have the proverbial logjam.

Then again, one of them might fail to transition.

 

[Linkens Mastery]

Both Dvorsky and Snuggerud in the lineup next season? I can see it happening but only because, right behind them, are at least three more guys to integrate in Stenberg, Pekarcik and Stancl. Two of those five guys will be traded or else we will have the proverbial logjam.

Then again, one of them might fail to transition.

I wouldn't be surpassed to see them run

Bolduc-Sunny-Snuggy
Toro-Faksa-Walker

And have Dvo start the season in the AHL again tho coming up later in the season around January.

 

[ChicagoBlues]

I wouldn't be surpassed to see them run

Bolduc-Sunny-Snuggy
Toro-Faksa-Walker

And have Dvo start the season in the AHL again tho coming up later in the season around January.

These next few seasons will be very exciting.

 

[Linkens Mastery]

These next few seasons will be very exciting.

Especially with our prospect pool. We desperately still need a top 4 RHD prospect or a Young RHD. But we're stacked on the forwards.

 

[ChicagoBlues]

Especially with our prospect pool. We desperately still need a top 4 RHD prospect or a Young RHD. But we're stacked on the forwards.

Tradeable assets for the D we need.

 

[bleedblue1223]

Based on Army's comments today about having Monty run a really tight line between future and now, I think Army has Dvorsky on the roster next season. For us to hit the next level, it's going to be when Dvorsky, Snuggerud, Bolduc, etc. hit their potential. Similar to start the season, Dvorsky still has things to work on, but he's probably realistically done doing those things at the AHL level.

Put him in the 3C role, Sunny in the 4C, and lean on Sunny or the 4th line as a whole when the 3rd line needs a bit more sheltering.

 

[DatDude44]

Based on Army's comments today about having Monty run a really tight line between future and now, I think Army has Dvorsky on the roster next season. For us to hit the next level, it's going to be when Dvorsky, Snuggerud, Bolduc, etc. hit their potential. Similar to start the season, Dvorsky still has things to work on, but he's probably realistically done doing those things at the AHL level.

Put him in the 3C role, Sunny in the 4C, and lean on Sunny or the 4th line as a whole when the 3rd line needs a bit more sheltering.

I kinda hope sunnys our 13th fwd next year and we resign Faksa for a year or two. Sunny and Joseph as our healthies unless walker or torpedos games slip and or Dvorsky/snuggy get sent down etc...

 

[BlueMed]

Tradeable assets for the D we need.

Yep, and with Stenberg likely being ready by the 2026-27 season, I do anticipate Army/Steen trading one of Bolduc or Snuggerud unless they decide to move Holloway to the center position, which is unlikely.