2024-2025 Blues Trade Proposals Thread.

[Bye Bye Blueston]

I think this off season is going to be spectacular. It seems there are a ton of options for trades with the rising cap and so many looking to shake things up or get over the hump. Vancouver and New York seem to be in crisis mode. Carolina seems to actually be impatient for once do they go hard after Marner? Is Boston tanking or retooling? Where do the Islanders go? LA needs to mix things up. Does Utah try and make a big splash since they seem so close? Seems like for once there are a ton of options. What team are we not thinking of that might have that Center or RHD we need considering this? I think Armstrong will find an unlikely dance partner.

More than half the teams in the league are looking to upgrade or find a center. So I am pretty pessimistic on the chances of finding an upgrade there this off season. If we can’t land one of the Free Agents just have to hope Army can work some magic there. If we are trading our first this year I would expect it would be used for that however, it seems the options for upgrading RHD are more easily identifiable. I would really like that problem to be solved sooner rather than later. We truly do need a right handed 23-27 aged player to build with Broberg for the future.

Pretty much everybody wants 2c and RHD, which is gonna send prices for them skyhigh, both in FA and via trade. If there is guy we like who can be a 2nd pair RD for next 3+ years, dealing our 1st for him makes a lot of sense.

 

[BlueMed]

I’m not saying they should pursue Ekblad, he’s just the only defenseman in general I’d give a blank check to and not think twice about that, regardless if he came to St. Louis or not.

I am aware that the Blues have a favorable cap situation, especially with the aforementioned contracts coming off the books + the cap going up.

It’s just my preference to not sign a UFA D until Broberg is extended.

Not concerned about Holloway either.

I would not give a blank check to a player who
1. Is not clearly elite
2. Used performance enhancing substances within the past year and got a lengthy suspension for it.

 

[Beauterham]

Correct, essentially my point was why trade assets now, when we can explore UFA first. Then if it doesn't happen....explore the trade market. I've never been much of a Schneider fan though myself, I wouldn't be very happy if we moved a high level asset like a 1st for him. I think he's alot closer to a 4/5 type than a quality top 4 option personally.

I'd try to aim higher in the first place.
Bouchard hasn't signed a new deal yet, right? I know the Blues were very interested in him in his draft year so if the Oilers can't work out a deal with him (and are afraid he'd sign an offer sheet) I'd definitely look into that. It would probably be very expensive though. Kyrou ++?

 

[Reality Czech]

I'd try to aim higher in the first place.
Bouchard hasn't signed a new deal yet, right? I know the Blues were very interested in him in his draft year so if the Oilers can't work out a deal with him (and are afraid he'd sign an offer sheet) I'd definitely look into that. It would probably be very expensive though. Kyrou ++?

I'm not sold on Bouchard considering what his contract will likely look like. How many points would he have on a normal PP without McDrai? I'm skeptical of Dobson but like him a bit more than Bouchard. Hronek might be a more reasonable target though.

 

[Brian39]

I'd try to aim higher in the first place.
Bouchard hasn't signed a new deal yet, right? I know the Blues were very interested in him in his draft year so if the Oilers can't work out a deal with him (and are afraid he'd sign an offer sheet) I'd definitely look into that. It would probably be very expensive though. Kyrou ++?

They can (and almost certainly will) match any offer sheet below the $11.7M threshold that would net them four unprotected 1st round picks as compensation, so any straight up trade would have to beat that amount of value. He's 2nd on their team in playoff goals and 4th in points while sporting a +8. He was 5th in goals and 2nd in points last year while sporting a +14. He is a huge part of that team's success and you are going to have to do something that they just simply can't match (or pass up) to get him.

I don't think Kyrou would move the needle for them. Not because of his skillset, but just because they already have tons of money allocated to their forwards. Drai will make $14M next year. McDavid will make $12.5M then get a raise the next year. Hyman and Nuge have several more years of term combining for $10.6M. That's $37M next year and then likely $40M+ for 2026/27 and 2027/28. Hard to justify another $8M for another forward in exchange for your #1 D Oand only true top 4 RHD). That would demolish their D group and leave them with very little cap to fix it.

Realistically, any deal would need to be Parayko++ going the other way.

 

[A Real Barn Burner]

They can (and almost certainly will) match any offer sheet below the $11.7M threshold that would net them four unprotected 1st round picks as compensation, so any straight up trade would have to beat that amount of value. He's 2nd on their team in playoff goals and 4th in points while sporting a +8. He was 5th in goals and 2nd in points last year while sporting a +14. He is a huge part of that team's success and you are going to have to do something that they just simply can't match (or pass up) to get him.

I don't think Kyrou would move the needle for them. Not because of his skillset, but just because they already have tons of money allocated to their forwards. Drai will make $14M next year. McDavid will make $12.5M then get a raise the next year. Hyman and Nuge have several more years of term combining for $10.6M. That's $37M next year and then likely $40M+ for 2026/27 and 2027/28. Hard to justify another $8M for another forward in exchange for your #1 D Oand only true top 4 RHD). That would demolish their D group and leave them with very little cap to fix it.

Realistically, any deal would need to be Parayko++ going the other way.

If they fail this year I wonder if they would entertain such a trade. It has merit imho as they may be hard pressed to form a team around three players making around 40 million long term. Would have to think other teams could beat a Parayko++ offer if he was shopped though and I hate to think of what the ++ would actually be.

I like the idea of Dobson or Hamilton over Bouchard since I think they wouldn’t cost the farm and possibly could be had this year. I wonder if Edmonton would be interested in moving RNH when they try and make room for Bouchard and Mcdavid’s next contract. He is under contract for another 3-4 years at a decent cap hit. He has NMC so would have to want to come here. No idea what they would want for him though. Do they still need RHD? Faulk’s 15 team no trade probably includes all of Canada though.

For the record I thought Faulk did great for us while Parayko was down during the win streak and not looking to off load him. Just speculation, really would love to know what Faulk’s NTC list is, make it hard to speculate without.

 

[Linkens Mastery]

Some Isles fans are fantasizing about pawning off Mayfield to us because they think he would waive his NTC to come here. lol. His actual pay (3.5) doesn't bother me, but the 4 years does.

 

[Spektre]

It’ll be interesting to see how many teams are overly aggressive in trades this offseason.

 

[Linkens Mastery]

If Carolina buys out Kotkaniemi would you be willing to give him a cheap "prove it" deal for 3rd line C if we can sign him for under 3mil. 30ish point player, could be an upgrade over Sunny and is only 24.

 

[WeWentBlues]

Some Isles fans are fantasizing about pawning off Mayfield to us because they think he would waive his NTC to come here. lol. His actual pay (3.5) doesn't bother me, but the 4 years does.

I'd take him for sure.

If they fail this year I wonder if they would entertain such a trade. It has merit imho as they may be hard pressed to form a team around three players making around 40 million long term. Would have to think other teams could beat a Parayko++ offer if he was shopped though and I hate to think of what the ++ would actually be.

I like the idea of Dobson or Hamilton over Bouchard since I think they wouldn’t cost the farm and possibly could be had this year. I wonder if Edmonton would be interested in moving RNH when they try and make room for Bouchard and Mcdavid’s next contract. He is under contract for another 3-4 years at a decent cap hit. He has NMC so would have to want to come here. No idea what they would want for him though. Do they still need RHD? Faulk’s 15 team no trade probably includes all of Canada though.

For the record I thought Faulk did great for us while Parayko was down during the win streak and not looking to off load him. Just speculation, really would love to know what Faulk’s NTC list is, make it hard to speculate without.

I bet Hamilton would come really cheap. Might even get picks from NJ to take him at full cap. They have a logjam at RHD and Hamilton hasn't been able to stay healthy. Blues would be taking a gamble to take him at full hit. If the Blues acquired him after 7/1, his 10.55M bonus would be paid and he isn't owed that much actual $ over the remaining 3 years (7.25M in salary and 7.4M bonus due July 2026). 4.88M avg per year in real $.

Another name I haven't heard anyone weigh in on is Erik Karlsson. 2 years left north of 10M. Team Sweden connection with Steener and a fellow countryman to mentor Broberg. I'd be checking with Dubas on the price.

 

[WeWentBlues]

If Carolina buys out Kotkaniemi would you be willing to give him a cheap "prove it" deal for 3rd line C if we can sign him for under 3mil. 30ish point player, could be an upgrade over Sunny and is only 24.

Id take him at his current hit. Was a topic of conversation last offseason on this forum.

 

[Bye Bye Blueston]

I'd take him for sure.

I bet Hamilton would come really cheap. Might even get picks from NJ to take him at full cap. They have a logjam at RHD and Hamilton hasn't been able to stay healthy. Blues would be taking a gamble to take him at full hit. If the Blues acquired him after 7/1, his 10.55M bonus would be paid and he isn't owed that much actual $ over the remaining 3 years (7.25M in salary and 7.4M bonus due July 2026). 4.88M avg per year in real $.

Another name I haven't heard anyone weigh in on is Erik Karlsson. 2 years left north of 10M. Team Sweden connection with Steener and a fellow countryman to mentor Broberg. I'd be checking with Dubas on the price.

We tried to deal for Hamilton previously. I could see us having interest in him. Even though he isn’t worth his cap hit, he could really help us.

 

[stl76]

I'd take him as a buy-low option for sure. I don't know that he's better than Kessel though.

He's older than Schneider and hasn't been able to crack a much worse team than the Rags. There's upside there, I just don't know how much.

Not quite fair IMO to say he hasn’t been able to crack a worse dcore than NY. The ducks have been trying to get playing time for a LOT of young dmen lately, particularly LHD. They needed to add some vet RHD to develop their higher profile LHD and it seems like Helleson may have got lost in the shuffle more than he performed poorly.

He could be a sneaky good acquisition if the price is right. I’d trust the Blues scouts re: upside. I haven’t watched Helleson play enough to have a well formed opinion on his game…but like I said, very intriguing option.

 

[Xerloris]

If they fail this year I wonder if they would entertain such a trade. It has merit imho as they may be hard pressed to form a team around three players making around 40 million long term. Would have to think other teams could beat a Parayko++ offer if he was shopped though and I hate to think of what the ++ would actually be.

I like the idea of Dobson or Hamilton over Bouchard since I think they wouldn’t cost the farm and possibly could be had this year. I wonder if Edmonton would be interested in moving RNH when they try and make room for Bouchard and Mcdavid’s next contract. He is under contract for another 3-4 years at a decent cap hit. He has NMC so would have to want to come here. No idea what they would want for him though. Do they still need RHD? Faulk’s 15 team no trade probably includes all of Canada though.

For the record I thought Faulk did great for us while Parayko was down during the win streak and not looking to off load him. Just speculation, really would love to know what Faulk’s NTC list is, make it hard to speculate without.

The Oilers may not really want to do business with us.

 

[ChicagoBlues]

Some Isles fans are fantasizing about pawning off Mayfield to us because they think he would waive his NTC to come here. lol. His actual pay (3.5) doesn't bother me, but the 4 years does.

At max retention, sure. He might think it would be cool to play for the Blues and he’d be a good fit. Quiet and rock steady.

 

[ChicagoBlues]

Not quite fair IMO to say he hasn’t been able to crack a worse dcore than NY. The ducks have been trying to get playing time for a LOT of young dmen lately, particularly LHD. They needed to add some vet RHD to develop their higher profile LHD and it seems like Helleson may have got lost in the shuffle more than he performed poorly.

He could be a sneaky good acquisition if the price is right. I’d trust the Blues scouts re: upside. I haven’t watched Helleson play enough to have a well formed opinion on his game…but like I said, very intriguing option.

You’ve piqued my curiosity.

 

[Xanadude]

I'm not of the opinion that we must swing for the fences to improve our 2c and 2rhd issues. We have internal options cooking in Dvorsky and Jiricek and a smaller improvement to those positions today doesn't keep us from promoting either prospects when they are ready a few years from now. We also have the premium of patience; if guys like Schneider or Zacha are suddenly a king's ransom in a seller's market, our window is just opening and we can delay it until the deadline or next year.

If we trade assets for a 2c (I would imagine, for cap reasons alone, one of Faulk or Leddy probably go in any major deal), getting Mayfield in a dump would help shore up the D and PK and wouldn't burden the cap much. I wouldn't be too excited but I certainly wouldn't hate it.

IMO the 19th overall is a movable asset for any upgrade to RHD or 2c. I'm sure our scouts could get us a gem with that pick, but for a long-term asset it's worth the risk.

 

[simon IC]

Some Isles fans are fantasizing about pawning off Mayfield to us because they think he would waive his NTC to come here. lol. His actual pay (3.5) doesn't bother me, but the 4 years does.

I have always liked Mayfield. He'd be a great 3rd pairing RD.

 

[DatDude44]

I'm not sold on Bouchard considering what his contract will likely look like. How many points would he have on a normal PP without McDrai? I'm skeptical of Dobson but like him a bit more than Bouchard. Hronek might be a more reasonable target though.

Dobson is a much better defender than Bouchard and I'm not sure you lose much in the puck moving department either. Dobson in Edmonton would be damn near a point per game defenceman with quality defending ability. You just don't get the same booming shot in dobson as u do bouchard.

In other words, i'd kill for dobson, i'd be happy but not totally thrilled on bouchard.

 

[BadgersandBlues]

I'd like to circle back around to the 2C position. I'm in agreement that McLeod is an interesting choice, but he also shot double his career average last season - what if he turns back into a 10-12 goal, 40ish point guy? It's tough when guys have a great season just before a contract discussion, especially with an outlier shooting percentage. Lots of risk on the side of the team signing him, not to mention the asset cost to acquire him.

The team I'd like to dig into more is Seattle. As I said in my mega long post, Seattle currently has 3 young C's with great upside - Beniers, Wright, and Catton - along with the 8th overall pick this Draft which could put them in a position to snap up another high quality Center. Of the three they already have, who is everyone most interested in? I personally would probably prefer Beniers, since he's the most known commodity, he fits into our core age group, and he's signed to a contract that will only get better with age. Even if he's "only" a 20 goal, 50 point 2C, his defensive acumen would allow us to play some of our (For now) lesser defensively responsible wingers with him, such as Neighbors and Snuggy. I think I'd be comfortable with Bolduc, our 2025 1st (19th overall), and then a B tier D or Winger prospect like Pekarcik or Burns. If they push for either Dvo or Kyrou, I would be willing to listen, but if they want Dvo as the primary piece then they get Dvo and then the B prospect, no 1st or Bolduc as well, and if they want Kyrou then I'd tell them they need to add. Any strong opinions on these proposals or any others for any of the other Seattle Centers?

 

[Stealth JD]

JP Pageau has 1-yr remaining, is a beast in the face-off circle and will only make $3.5M (with a $5M cap-hit). He may not be the answer to 2C...but he could be an improvement over Sunny at 3C for another year while we bide our time awaiting Dvorsky's arrival.

 

[MortiestOfMortys]

JP Pageau has 1-yr remaining, is a beast in the face-off circle and will only make $3.5M (with a $5M cap-hit). He may not be the answer to 2C...but he could be an improvement over Sunny at 3C for another year while we bide our time awaiting Dvorsky's arrival.

He's a good option as a stopgap between this season and whenever Dvorsky is ready. Jack Roslovic is another one I'm interested in, and he has the added benefit of being a bit younger and not requiring a trade to acquire.

I think in general I'm a bit weary/skeptical of mercenaries. I don't know how helpful it is to add guys to this group -- which is still trying to rebuild a winning culture -- who are only here for one last paycheck. I'm not saying Pageau is that guy, necessarily. Suter certainly proved that not every vet coming in will be that. It's just something that I would want to be double extra sure about before moving assets to go and get a guy who will only be here for a year or two before moving on again.

 

[Xerloris]

I'd like to circle back around to the 2C position. I'm in agreement that McLeod is an interesting choice, but he also shot double his career average last season - what if he turns back into a 10-12 goal, 40ish point guy? It's tough when guys have a great season just before a contract discussion, especially with an outlier shooting percentage. Lots of risk on the side of the team signing him, not to mention the asset cost to acquire him.

The team I'd like to dig into more is Seattle. As I said in my mega long post, Seattle currently has 3 young C's with great upside - Beniers, Wright, and Catton - along with the 8th overall pick this Draft which could put them in a position to snap up another high quality Center. Of the three they already have, who is everyone most interested in? I personally would probably prefer Beniers, since he's the most known commodity, he fits into our core age group, and he's signed to a contract that will only get better with age. Even if he's "only" a 20 goal, 50 point 2C, his defensive acumen would allow us to play some of our (For now) lesser defensively responsible wingers with him, such as Neighbors and Snuggy. I think I'd be comfortable with Bolduc, our 2025 1st (19th overall), and then a B tier D or Winger prospect like Pekarcik or Burns. If they push for either Dvo or Kyrou, I would be willing to listen, but if they want Dvo as the primary piece then they get Dvo and then the B prospect, no 1st or Bolduc as well, and if they want Kyrou then I'd tell them they need to add. Any strong opinions on these proposals or any others for any of the other Seattle Centers?

I would not trade Bolduc or Snuggy for Beniers, Or Kyrou for that matter.

 

[Brian39]

I'd like to circle back around to the 2C position. I'm in agreement that McLeod is an interesting choice, but he also shot double his career average last season - what if he turns back into a 10-12 goal, 40ish point guy? It's tough when guys have a great season just before a contract discussion, especially with an outlier shooting percentage. Lots of risk on the side of the team signing him, not to mention the asset cost to acquire him.

The team I'd like to dig into more is Seattle. As I said in my mega long post, Seattle currently has 3 young C's with great upside - Beniers, Wright, and Catton - along with the 8th overall pick this Draft which could put them in a position to snap up another high quality Center. Of the three they already have, who is everyone most interested in? I personally would probably prefer Beniers, since he's the most known commodity, he fits into our core age group, and he's signed to a contract that will only get better with age. Even if he's "only" a 20 goal, 50 point 2C, his defensive acumen would allow us to play some of our (For now) lesser defensively responsible wingers with him, such as Neighbors and Snuggy. I think I'd be comfortable with Bolduc, our 2025 1st (19th overall), and then a B tier D or Winger prospect like Pekarcik or Burns. If they push for either Dvo or Kyrou, I would be willing to listen, but if they want Dvo as the primary piece then they get Dvo and then the B prospect, no 1st or Bolduc as well, and if they want Kyrou then I'd tell them they need to add. Any strong opinions on these proposals or any others for any of the other Seattle Centers?

I'd be pretty surprised if Seattle moved any of those guys this summer.

Beniers was a 2nd overall pick, won the Calder and then regressed/stagnated on a team that is severely lacking scoring ability for him to play with. He's 22 and has a ton of tools. Not sure it makes sense to sell low on him before seeing what he could do playing with an actual scoring winger.

With Wright, they took a patient approach he rewarded them with a really nice rookie season in his D+3 year.

Catton had a great year in the WHL, but I don't think you can pencil him into an NHL lineup next season. Even if they think he's going to impress in camp and force his way into the NHL, I think he is best suited starting his career on the wing.

They invested all three of their franchise's top 10 picks in these 3 guys with the pretty clear intention to build around them. I don't think anything should have changed that plan in the last year. Even if the plan has always been to eventually pick 2 and move the other, it doesn't make sense to make that decision now when there is still a ton of uncertainty about what each will become. But I also think that their front office is kind of stupid, so maybe they do.

 

[Louie the Blue]

They invested all three of their franchise's top 10 picks in these 3 guys with the pretty clear intention to build around them. I don't think anything should have changed that plan in the last year. Even if the plan has always been to eventually pick 2 and move the other, it doesn't make sense to make that decision now when there is still a ton of uncertainty about what each will become. But I also think that their front office is kind of stupid, so maybe they do.

I think they were initially OK to be bad a for a few years then they made the POs year 2, thought they could be a PO team even though their forward group has been underwhelming since Day 1, and are reaping the results of attempting to change course.

Francis shouldn’t be in charge soon.