Army, in his press availability today, said "For Buch, when he starts his contract, he’s going to be 30. We have to provide him (with) information (on) where he wants to be between (age) 30 and mid-30s, whatever that term is. Buch has to weigh what I believe the next two years (look like), and then he has to talk to Alex about what he believes moving forward. There’s synergy between what Alex and I think, but we’re not (in) lockstep in everything, and I think that’s good. He has a vision of what he wants to do and how he wants to do it. They’ve had those conversations, and does it correlate to what (Buchnevich) wants out of his career.”
I read that as:
- Army telling Buchy that we aren't going to be contenders next 2 years and then Steen and Buchy discussing how long after that until we are again contenders.
- If Buchy is open to staying through the rebuild (to me this is a rebuild, just not scorched earth), club will negotiate contract terms with him.
- I think that Army feels that Buchy is competitive guy and wants chance to compete for Cup during remainder of his prime.
- I also don't think Army wants to pay top dollar for Buchy extension because by the time we are again contenders Buchy will be on decline.
- I strongly suspect that Army more wants to leave Steen with team on upswing than he cares about whether we make playoffs in next 2 years.
Net net, I believe the most likely outcome is that Buchy is traded between now and the end of 1st round of draft. Ideally to team like Buffalo that has all kinds of young assets (and #11 pick) or Utah (likewise but 6) from which we could further boost our farm system.
As much as it would be helpful if Buchnevich would want to go to one of those teams if we are trading him. I can’t see him being open to that. He does have enough trade protection to have a decent say in where he ends up, and I think if we’re doing the courtesy (it could be just for public show) of outlining where we are going to be over the course of the contract, it’s very likely we’re looking at a late 1st for him + if he’s moved.
The issue with that is there’s already been a ton of pick movement from contenders.
I think best case scenario he could be sold NJD, or DET are spots that are on the up and up where he’d be able to compete and still have a large role on a team like he does here.
It’s hard to sell Buffalo given how long they’ve been a bottom feeder, and UTAH probably isn’t ready to go that route.
The following teams have already moved their 1st for 24 and don’t have another:
BOS, WPG, FLA, EDM, TBL, VAN, PITT.
EDIT: small addition:
Unfortunately it looks like the best positioned teams to be able to do anything would be
COL, DAL, NYR
Maybe Carolina would be willing but hard seeing them shell out more assets after reportedly shopping Guentzel rights.
Toronto has hardly any secondary assets.
VGK I’m pretty sure is hosting the draft - maybe their wow factor for fans would be moving the pick at the draft vs drafting someone. They have 19.
Who knows where Washington is going.
LAK has 21, maybe there’s something to be done there they’d have enough capital after that to be able to make something happen.
NYI has 20, probably same boat as LAK.