2024-2025 Blues Trade Proposals Thread.

[TheOrganist]

If he's interested in extending at a reasonable amount/term, I'm in favor of keeping Faksa.

I still think that Sunny is best suited as a winger and he is still objectively bad at faceoffs. 20 year old rookie centers are almost always awful at the dot, so I assume that Dvorsky is going to be 45% or worse if he's actually at center. Schenn has been mediocre at the dot his entire career (this year is only the 2nd time he's been over 50%). Running Thomas-Schenn-Dvorsky-Sunny down the middle means that Thomas is basically the only option to take every big defensive draw (especially if the plan is to keep running Holloway and Kyrou with Schenn next year). The difference between Faksa and Sunny's faceoff ability is one of the reasons that the WTF '4th' line is seeing minutes right on par with the 3rd line. Even if Sunny can replace everything Faksa does while the puck is in play next year, the massive gap in faceoff ability alone would limit how that line is trusted by Monty.

If Dvorsky is ready to be the 3C then I'm more than content to rotate Sunny, Faksa, Torpo, and Walker as the 10th-13th forwards. And if Dvorsky turns out to not be ready for 3C, then suddenly we have an even bigger hole at center than we've had this year if we let Faksa go. Obviously the math on this can change if the plan is to acquire a top 9 center and slow play Dvorsky's development into the role (either by more AHL time or starting him off as a bottom 6 winger and forcing him to steal center minutes). But even then, I think I'd prefer to have a Faksa, Sunny, Torpo, Walker rotation for the 4th line than letting Faksa walk.

And speaking of faceoffs, one of the reasons that Joseph's minutes are low relative to his linemates is Faksa, especially in the 3rd period, takes d-zone draws instead of Sundqvist. If he loses the draw and gets stuck out there Joseph might miss a shift or two. This happened at least once in the Colorado game.

 

[Brian39]

This team really needs another RHD prospect, and I don't see how we keep all of these wingers. Going down the list here...

Kyrou - will have NTC
Buchnevich - will have NTC
Neighbours - likely future captain or assistant captain and beloved by the front office for his intangibles. He embodies Blues hockey in every way, and there's no way he is traded.
Holloway - his forecheck is too valuable to lose by switching him to center, which will likely be Dvorsky's position when Stenberg is finally ready anyways. He has cemented himself as a core player this season, and given his recent arrival, I don't see this organization trading him anytime soon.

That leaves two spots in the top 9 for Snuggerud, Bolduc, and Stenberg. One of them will have to go, and I get the impression that the front office thinks too highly of Stenberg to trade him at this point, which leads me to believe it's one of the former two. To receive something significant, one has to give something significant. A realistic trade will make you a little uncomfortable, but it will be necessary to keep this team balanced and competitive for years to come.

Buch already has a NTC. The CBA allows the final year of contracts to be modified to include full trade protection when a player signs an extension and it has been reported that Buch got that from us. So I think he is basically not moveable for a while.

That said, I don't think any of the other guys you listed are truly untouchable because I don't think that RD prospects are the only potential trade targets. Like you say, a realistic trade will make you a little uncomfortable. Dahlin plays on the right side and (I think) looks more comfortable on the right side. Buffalo is very much a disaster and as much as they shouldn't move Dahlin, I can't say with any amount of confidence that he is actually untouchable. What if the Rangers decide to truly blow everything up and are worried about Fox's lackluster 4 Nations? His NMC kicks in 7/1/25, so the next few months would be their last chance to get a king's ransom for him. What if you can get Rasmus Andersson with a reasonable extension? Dobson with a manageable extension? McAvoy already has a full NMC and I doubt he'd waive to come here, but what if the Bruins want to make a big shake up and shop him?

Roster players that we really like could very well be in the discussion if we are big game hunting for a mid-20s RD this summer. We're not trading a Kyrou or Holloway for an unproven 22 year old with upside, but they could absolutely be on the table for a 24-28 year old with term and proven top pair talent. There are names in that paragraph above where I would include any non-Thomas forward from our organization with absolutely no hesitation.

I don't think a blockbuster is the most likely scenario, but I think there is a greater-than-zero chance that one of Kyrou, Holloway, or Neighbours could get moved because I could very much see Army trying to acquire an established mid-20s RD instead of just a prospect.

 

[BlueMed]

I think that sense is either based on wishful thinking about Stenberg or selective memory about Barby. Stenberg was drafted 8 picks ahead of Barby, so it isn't like there was a massive gap in draft pedigree to suggest that scouts saw way more offensive upside to Stenberg than they did with Barby. And I don't see what in their development skews towards Stenberg.

Barby had 45 goals and 95 points through 57 games in the Q during his D+1 season. He went to the AHL in his D+2 season and had 10 goals, 28 points in 65 games.

Stenberg played pro across 2 leagues in Sweden during his D+1 season, which is hardly comparable to junior. His production in his D+1 season was obviously not on par with Barby's because he was playing against better competition. But in his D+2 season he's had 6 points through 25 games in the top Swedish pro league and then 14 points through 31 games in the AHL. His AHL pace is 8.4 goals and 29.4 points through 65 games. That's remarkably similar to Barby's D+2 pace.

Obviously we can't compare Barby's D+3 season to Stenberg's, since that hasn't happened for Stenberg yet. But Barby had 19 goals and 37 points through 46 AHL games. which certainly doesn't scream "complimentary player at best." And FWIW, Barby has a 26 goal, 60 point NHL season on his resume. He's had 45+ points for 4 straight years and he is playing at a 26 goal, 62 point pace this year.

I think their pedigree, styles, and development so far are extremely similar and the timeline for Stenberg to turn pro would have him trying to join an NHL roster that really only has bottom 6 roles up for grabs. Like Barby, I think Stenberg could work his way up the depth chart and eventually become a middle-to-top 6 guy. But I don't feel a need to clear out a top 9 role for him. I'm more than content forcing him to excel in a bottom 6 role and try to take a top 9 spot by force. That is exactly they type of thing that allows you to build a deep team that can roll 4 lines that can outscore the opponent.

In addition to getting drafted in the first round, Stenberg has vastly outplayed Barbashev against his peer group. Comparing their last two U-20 WJC tournaments, Otto has produced 17 points in 14 games as opposed to Ivan's 8 points in 14 games. From a pure scouting perspective, Otto has a more dynamic skill-set offensively and was previously designated as captain of the Sweden U18 team. That's where the hype comes from.

The reason I labeled Barby as a complimentary player here in St. Louis was because he struggled to produce offensive initially. Even during the cup run, he posted 26 points and deserved a bottom 6 role for the majority of his time here. It took him eight years to hit 60 points, which was a statistical outlier. I don't want to take away from his instrumental impact in 2019, but I didn't consider him a core player in the same breath as Tarasenko, O'Reilly, or Schwartz, which is why Barby was never paid more than 2.25 M per season. His production and utility here never justified more than that. If you told our front office that Stenberg's play here will never earn him a larger cap-adjusted AAV, then I would expect some level of disappointment given his current potential and trajectory.

 

[Brian39]

Based on their development trajectory, Stenberg and Pekarcik are not projecting to bust and will likely be ready for opportunities in 1-2 years rather than 2-3. Are we getting ahead of ourselves? Yes, but a big part of making future trade proposals is anticipation. Also, the 4th line has a unique and different role than the top 3 lines. Trying to develop a core player in that role with reduced ice time is suboptimal and poor asset management when there are other areas of the roster that need to be filled out.

I view both of those prospects behind Thomas, Kyrou, Buch, Holloway, Neighbours, Snuggy, Bolduc, and Dvorsky in terms of 'likelihood to be a core player.'

But assuming we are expanding the definition of 'core' to include them, I disagree with the bolded. I don't think that Neighbours' time on the 4th line was detrimental to his development. Same with Schwartz in the past. Same with Barby in the past. Same with Holloway in Edmonton. Frankly, I think that the 4th line is a great place to develop guys who you envision as high-motor, physical, and/or 2 way players. I don't see Stenberg or Pekarcik becoming core NHL players unless they manage to develop at least 2 of those 3 traits into above-NHL-average.

 

[Mike Liut]

Great thread and info guys. As far as Stenberg vs Barby, I only hope Stenberg is as good as Barby. I was a huge Barby fan. I’m just not sure their games are comparable. Stenberg is built like a 13 year old boy and Barby was wrecking ball who could chip in 20g. Stenberg is supposed to be a really smart 2-way player with a high compete level. I cant even think of a comp for him right now now.

 

[taylord22]

The 4C is one of the more interesting decisions heading into the summer. I agree that the young top 4 D is the top priority, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a concerted plan for addressing the 4C.

I would certainly be fine bringing Faksa back on a short-term deal - fully agree that his faceoff ability has and will continue to be critical, but I would also say that if you can find a 4C who might be a better skater and therefore has more ability to play-up and insulate, I think it's probably worth the Blues using some equity to pursue.

...unless they feel confident we have a solution internally that just needs a bit of seasoning. If that's the case then the Faksa band-aid may be ideal.

Unrelated Note: We shouldn't be overlooking Kaskamaki as a player that 1.) has some demonstrable offensive ascendence 2.) is a guy whose DZ/NZ game is also conducive to playing a 'role' lower in the line-up. Not as a Center, obviously, just stating that he may have more org value than some of our shinier prospects where there's overlap

 

[ChicagoBlues]

I view both of those prospects behind Thomas, Kyrou, Buch, Holloway, Neighbours, Snuggy, Bolduc, and Dvorsky in terms of 'likelihood to be a core player.'

But assuming we are expanding the definition of 'core' to include them, I disagree with the bolded. I don't think that Neighbours' time on the 4th line was detrimental to his development. Same with Schwartz in the past. Same with Barby in the past. Same with Holloway in Edmonton. Frankly, I think that the 4th line is a great place to develop guys who you envision as high-motor, physical, and/or 2 way players. I don't see Stenberg or Pekarcik becoming core NHL players unless they manage to develop at least 2 of those 3 traits into above-NHL-average.

I agree. Starting some of these good forward prospects on the 4th line would be super duper beneficial for their development.

 

[Brian39]

In addition to getting drafted in the first round, Stenberg has vastly outplayed Barbashev against his peer group. Comparing their last two U-20 WJC tournaments, Otto has produced 17 points in 14 games as opposed to Ivan's 8 points in 14 games. From a pure scouting perspective, Otto has a more dynamic skill-set offensively and was previously designated as captain of the Sweden U18 team. That's where the hype comes from.

The reason I labeled Barby as a complimentary player here in St. Louis was because he struggled to produce offensive initially. Even during the cup run, he posted 26 points and deserved a bottom 6 role for the majority of his time here. It took him eight years to hit 60 points, which was a statistical outlier. I don't want to take away from his instrumental impact in 2019, but I didn't consider him a core player in the same breath as Tarasenko, O'Reilly, or Schwartz, which is why Barby was never paid more than 2.25 M per season. His production and utility here never justified more than that. If you told our front office that Stenberg's play here will never earn him a larger cap-adjusted AAV, then I would expect some level of disappointment given his current potential and trajectory.

Barby had 2 points in 6 games in the WJC in his draft season. Stenberg wasn't good enough to make his country's team in his draft season.

They both played in their D+1 seasons. Barby had 3 goals and 6 points, which led his team in scoring. Stenberg had 5 goals and 9 points, which was 3rd on his team. Both won silver. I don't see a vast outperformance. I see more points from Stenberg on a team with a hell of a lot more offensive talent than Barby's Russian team.

Stenberg played in his D+2 season and had 3 goals and 8 points, good for 4th on his team. Barby played in the AHL.

Barby was named captain of Russia's U17 team in his D-2 season and had 6 points in 5 games. Stenberg didn't make Sweden's U17 team until his D-1 season.

Barby made the U18 team in his D-1 season and had 9 points in 7 games in the U18 championships. Stenberg also made his U18 team in his D-1 season and had 2 points in 6 games. Stenberg dominated the U18s in his draft season when he was named captain. That's where he was instead of the WJC, where Barby played in his draft season.

Stenberg outperformed Barby against their peers in the tournaments where he was an older player. In the tournaments they both played in the same year of development, Barby outperformed him. When you're talking about performance relative to your peers, the time at which you are doing it is relevant.

 

[Beauterham]

When Dvorksy and Snuggerud are ready for full-time roles, there will be a skilled top 9. The problem is, there won't be anymore positions in the top 9 available for players who come after that (Stenberg and Pekarcik). And that timeline won't be 3 years from now. It will likely only be 1-2 years. Therefore, fans should expect a trade and be okay with that. I'm only pointing this out because people seem to be emotionally tied to some of these players and unwilling to let any of these prospects go when we can't exactly keep and play all of them.

If it is something that might be an issue in 1-2 years, we will adress it in 1-2 years. Let the kids develop and prove they're ready for a rosterspot first. If, again IF, we have more than enough good forwards for our top-9 then we might consider trading one, but as none of us can look into to the future, let's see how they develop first.

 

[Mike Liut]

I’d put Stenberg and Pekarcik on the 4th line to start and let them work their way up. By that time, Schenn might be centering them.

 

[SirPaste]

It seems to me we are putting the cart in front of the horse here. Guys like Stenberg, Pekarcik, Stancl are going to need at least a season or 2 in the AHL before being ready to come up and will likely be integrated in from the bottom 6 if they make it which is still a big question mark IMO. Stenberg obviously the most likely but still this is a couple years away, who knows what the lineup looks like then or who has proven what at that point. It is too early to start worrying about clearing space for them until they have proven they are ready in the AHL. Obviously if a deal comes along where you can flip one for a similar aged/talented dman you could pull the trigger a little early but there is really no reason to move anyone until you know what you have in these players and roster spots are actually a concern.

 

[Frenzy31]

Barby had 2 points in 6 games in the WJC in his draft season. Stenberg wasn't good enough to make his country's team in his draft season.

They both played in their D+1 seasons. Barby had 3 goals and 6 points, which led his team in scoring. Stenberg had 5 goals and 9 points, which was 3rd on his team. Both won silver. I don't see a vast outperformance. I see more points from Stenberg on a team with a hell of a lot more offensive talent than Barby's Russian team.

Stenberg played in his D+2 season and had 3 goals and 8 points, good for 4th on his team. Barby played in the AHL.

Barby was named captain of Russia's U17 team in his D-2 season and had 6 points in 5 games. Stenberg didn't make Sweden's U17 team until his D-1 season.

Barby made the U18 team in his D-1 season and had 9 points in 7 games in the U18 championships. Stenberg also made his U18 team in his D-1 season and had 2 points in 6 games. Stenberg dominated the U18s in his draft season when he was named captain. That's where he was instead of the WJC, where Barby played in his draft season.

Stenberg outperformed Barby against their peers in the tournaments where he was an older player. In the tournaments they both played in the same year of development, Barby outperformed him. When you're talking about performance relative to your peers, the time at which you are doing it is relevant.

Barby wasn't eligible to play in the WCJ due to his birthdate - NOT because he was in the AHL, this is a garbage point.

I don't think you can really look at U17 - or U18 as an underager. We have a very hard time comparing CHL to Swedish leagues. I don't know how you do it.

I have no idea of how Stenberg will do in the NHL. Barby right now is a much more proven player, but he wasn't always a top 6 forward, very similar to Dunn.

He has taken advantage of his opportunity. Stenberg will need to do the same.

 

[BlueMed]

Great thread and info guys. As far as Stenberg vs Barby, I only hope Stenberg is as good as Barby. I was a huge Barby fan. I’m just not sure their games are comparable. Stenberg is built like a 13 year old boy and Barby was wrecking ball who could chip in 20g. Stenberg is supposed to be a really smart 2-way player with a high compete level. I cant even think of a comp for him right now now.

Alex Steen seems to be his comparable. I've also heard P9 describe him as a "rich man's neighbours," which I think is pretty apt. Either way, I've very bullish on him and expect him in the lineup in 2026-27.

 

[BlueMed]

I view both of those prospects behind Thomas, Kyrou, Buch, Holloway, Neighbours, Snuggy, Bolduc, and Dvorsky in terms of 'likelihood to be a core player.'

But assuming we are expanding the definition of 'core' to include them, I disagree with the bolded. I don't think that Neighbours' time on the 4th line was detrimental to his development. Same with Schwartz in the past. Same with Barby in the past. Same with Holloway in Edmonton. Frankly, I think that the 4th line is a great place to develop guys who you envision as high-motor, physical, and/or 2 way players. I don't see Stenberg or Pekarcik becoming core NHL players unless they manage to develop at least 2 of those 3 traits into above-NHL-average.

Given that Kyrou, Buch, Thomas, and Holloway are already core players, that point is pretty futile.

Also, Stenberg has significantly higher upside than Neighbours. Jake never even played in the World Juniors, let alone lead his team in points there.

Lastly, how many games did Jaden Schwartz play on the fourth line? An entire season? Nope. Leaving Stenberg on the 4th line for an indefinite period of time while refusing to trade any of the aformentioned players is a disservice to Otto, and I'd expect him to share some of the same feelings Holloway had when he was in Edmonton. Time will tell how good Stenberg is, but this team will have a forward surplus problem as early as 12-18 months, and I'm forewarning anyone here with strong attachments to our young prospects that they may realistically be moved within 24 months. That's the business of sports.

 

[DatDude44]

I still think that Sunny is best suited as a winger and he is still objectively bad at faceoffs. 20 year old rookie centers are almost always awful at the dot, so I assume that Dvorsky is going to be 45% or worse if he's actually at center. Schenn has been mediocre at the dot his entire career (this year is only the 2nd time he's been over 50%). Running Thomas-Schenn-Dvorsky-Sunny down the middle means that Thomas is basically the only option to take every big defensive draw (especially if the plan is to keep running Holloway and Kyrou with Schenn next year). The difference between Faksa and Sunny's faceoff ability is one of the reasons that the WTF '4th' line is seeing minutes right on par with the 3rd line. Even if Sunny can replace everything Faksa does while the puck is in play next year, the massive gap in faceoff ability alone would limit how that line is trusted by Monty.

If Dvorsky is ready to be the 3C then I'm more than content to rotate Sunny, Faksa, Torpo, and Walker as the 10th-13th forwards. And if Dvorsky turns out to not be ready for 3C, then suddenly we have an even bigger hole at center than we've had this year if we let Faksa go. Obviously the math on this can change if the plan is to acquire a top 9 center and slow play Dvorsky's development into the role (either by more AHL time or starting him off as a bottom 6 winger and forcing him to steal center minutes). But even then, I think I'd prefer to have a Faksa, Sunny, Torpo, Walker rotation for the 4th line than letting Faksa walk.

Agreed, I'd love to extend Faksa. We don't need to rush the kids if they aren't ready, safe pro quality depth is always needed and pushes the competetive environment.

It's also nice having a lefty in Faksa and a righty in thomas for important faceoffs

 

[Mike Liut]

I’d be happy if Stenberg is as good as Neighbors. If he exceeds him, great.

 

[ChicagoBlues]

I’d be happy if Stenberg is as good as Neighbors. If he exceeds him, great.

I agree that Otto and Barby cannot be correctly/directly compared because of their respective body types.

Stenberg will have to develop his core and lower body strength in order to be able to compete in the NHL. As you’ve mentioned, he does not have the frame to add a lot of upper body strength; much like Dean.

Nathan Walker was able to do this, meaning he was able to develop his core and leg strength.

 

[Brian39]

Given that Kyrou, Buch, Thomas, and Holloway are already core players, that point is pretty futile.

My point is that Stenberg needs to reach his absolute ceiling to get anywhere near being a core piece and not a core-adjacent piece. Because at least 3 of those guys are going to still be core pieces in the late 2020s and odds are very slim that Stenberg passes them on the depth chart.

You have come to the conversation penciling Stenberg in as a piece that the front office loves and won't trade because he is a core piece. My point is that he is far from a lock to be a core piece. There are at least two established 'core piece' wingers ahead of him on the depth chart. Three if Buch doesn't see decline earlier than the front office expects. As 'pure upside' goes, I think the organization is clearly higher on Snuggy.

How many wingers are part of a team's core? If we're talking about the way you have to develop a 'core player,' it is not futile to wonder if the player has any type of path to being a core player. I'm not sold that Stenberg does and that makes it less likely that the team will trade other core-adjacent wingers who are further along the development path to create opportunities for him.

Also, Stenberg has significantly higher upside than Neighbours. Jake never even played in the World Juniors, let alone lead his team in points there.

'Nothing a developing player does outside the WJC' is a stance we'll just have to agree to disagree on. Ignoring Neighbours' junior, AHL, and actual NHL production to say Stenberg has significantly higher upside is wild to me. Neighbours has exceeded my expectations, but he was a damn productive junior player and he's excelled at the pro level. The 27 NHL goals he scored last year is more goals than Stenberg has scored across all levels in the 2 years since we drafted him.

Perceived upside or not, he (and Bolduc) both have significant head starts over Stenberg in getting themselves into the 'next' core. Both are scoring more in the NHL than Stenberg is scoring outside the NHL. This team is going to be pretty fully in 'winning' mode by the time Stenberg is potentially ready to make the jump into the top 9. And barring a player or two busting in front of him, the team will very likely have no interest in trading a young top 9 player to make the team worse for that season in order to prioritize Stenberg's development.

While a trade could happen, I think it is just as likely that the team strongarms a few guys into bridge deals to run 4 damn good lines instead of a traditional banger 4th line. That is becoming more and more popular around the league.

Lastly, how many games did Jaden Schwartz play on the fourth line? An entire season? Nope. Leaving Stenberg on the 4th line for an indefinite period of time while refusing to trade any of the aformentioned players is a disservice to Otto, and I'd expect him to share some of the same feelings Holloway had when he was in Edmonton. Time will tell how good Stenberg is, but this team will have a forward surplus problem as early as 12-18 months, and I'm forewarning anyone here with strong attachments to our young prospects that they may realistically be moved within 24 months. That's the business of sports.

Schwartz averaged 12:28 a night over his first full NHL season (which was his 2nd stint in the NHL after a cup of coffee after his sophomore season) and started moving up the lineup when his play earned it (and injuries created space). I don't believe anyone has said that Stenberg shouldn't be able to force his way up the lineup. But there is a very good chance that his potential ascension takes more time (like Barby's) and demands that he be opportunistic rather than the organization trading a (at-the-time) better young player to gift him the role.

 

[ChicagoBlues]

Yes, Stenberg needs to reach absolute ceiling in order to be considered a core piece. I see him as the ultimate 3rd liner. 3C/4C role.

This is a fair expectation.

 

[Bye Bye Blueston]

My point is that Stenberg needs to reach his absolute ceiling to get anywhere near being a core piece and not a core-adjacent piece. Because at least 3 of those guys are going to still be core pieces in the late 2020s and odds are very slim that Stenberg passes them on the depth chart.

You have come to the conversation penciling Stenberg in as a piece that the front office loves and won't trade because he is a core piece. My point is that he is far from a lock to be a core piece. There are at least two established 'core piece' wingers ahead of him on the depth chart. Three if Buch doesn't see decline earlier than the front office expects. As 'pure upside' goes, I think the organization is clearly higher on Snuggy.

How many wingers are part of a team's core? If we're talking about the way you have to develop a 'core player,' it is not futile to wonder if the player has any type of path to being a core player. I'm not sold that Stenberg does and that makes it less likely that the team will trade other core-adjacent wingers who are further along the development path to create opportunities for him

I want to use this as jumping off point, not to disagree. Given the excess of wingers we potentially have, I’d like to see us give some of them look at center next year in Springfield. I believe Stancl, Stenberg, Peterson, and Kaskimaki have all played center at various points while younger. Seems like AHL is good place to give it a shot, as winning isn’t most important goal for minor league team. While they each seem to project as wingers, would go long way towards solving organizational issues if 1 or more can comfortably slide back over to center.

 

[LGB]

I want to use this as jumping off point, not to disagree. Given the excess of wingers we potentially have, I’d like to see us give some of them look at center next year in Springfield. I believe Stancl, Stenberg, Peterson, and Kaskimaki have all played center at various points while younger. Seems like AHL is good place to give it a shot, as winning isn’t most important goal for minor league team. While they each seem to project as wingers, would go long way towards solving organizational issues if 1 or more can comfortably slide back over to center.

I could see Stancl as a center

 

[ChicagoBlues]

I want to use this as jumping off point, not to disagree. Given the excess of wingers we potentially have, I’d like to see us give some of them look at center next year in Springfield. I believe Stancl, Stenberg, Peterson, and Kaskimaki have all played center at various points while younger. Seems like AHL is good place to give it a shot, as winning isn’t most important goal for minor league team. While they each seem to project as wingers, would go long way towards solving organizational issues if 1 or more can comfortably slide back over to center.

It’s a good opportunity to develop a center.

 

[Beninnola]

Given that Kyrou, Buch, Thomas, and Holloway are already core players, that point is pretty futile.

Also, Stenberg has significantly higher upside than Neighbours. Jake never even played in the World Juniors, let alone lead his team in points there.

Lastly, how many games did Jaden Schwartz play on the fourth line? An entire season? Nope. Leaving Stenberg on the 4th line for an indefinite period of time while refusing to trade any of the aformentioned players is a disservice to Otto, and I'd expect him to share some of the same feelings Holloway had when he was in Edmonton. Time will tell how good Stenberg is, but this team will have a forward surplus problem as early as 12-18 months, and I'm forewarning anyone here with strong attachments to our young prospects that they may realistically be moved within 24 months. That's the business of sports.

Iirc

Barbashev came into camp fat twice.

Both times he probably extended his stay on the 4th line. I think he held himself back. But then also pushed himself forward by growing into special teams and up the lineup.

I wouldn’t expect a long stay for Stenberg if he drew the 4th line: I think he would be there the first ~100 games or so when his icetime is going to be 10-13 min. And probably not stapled there.

I really don’t see much difference in the bottom 6 with our deployment. We put the 3rd and 4th lines out in a cadence more than as a reaction. I don’t feel, except for McDavid and shortened bench scenarios where sunny moves up, that we ever really hide or show either 3rd or 4th line with preference.

The primary reason I’d put him there is due to Dvorsky being young. Whenever he comes up - we should surround him with more experienced guys. Surround Stenberg experienced guys too.

Trade bait exists for us. We can chill and wait til somebody is going to make a gigantic mistake, then help them do that.

 

[Celtic Note]

We are wavelengthing (that's a word now).

People are reinventing the definitions of words all the time now. We might as well make up new words too!

 

[SirPaste]

Given that Kyrou, Buch, Thomas, and Holloway are already core players, that point is pretty futile.

Also, Stenberg has significantly higher upside than Neighbours. Jake never even played in the World Juniors, let alone lead his team in points there.

Lastly, how many games did Jaden Schwartz play on the fourth line? An entire season? Nope. Leaving Stenberg on the 4th line for an indefinite period of time while refusing to trade any of the aformentioned players is a disservice to Otto, and I'd expect him to share some of the same feelings Holloway had when he was in Edmonton. Time will tell how good Stenberg is, but this team will have a forward surplus problem as early as 12-18 months, and I'm forewarning anyone here with strong attachments to our young prospects that they may realistically be moved within 24 months. That's the business of sports.

I would be interested to know why Stenberg has significantly higher upside than Neighbours? WJC doesn't matter because if Stenberg was Canadian he might not have played either.