Blues 2025-2026 Trade Proposal Thread

[sfvega]

I wouldn't consider the lineup I posted to be a worryingly young/inexperienced team. That lineup was 'constructed' on the premise of X and Y being an established 2C and an established middle 6 player.

Holloway-Thomas-Snuggy
Buch-X-Kyrou
Neighbours-Dvorsky-Y
Stenberg-Suter-Torpo

So in that hypothetical, your only young/inexperienced players in the top 9 would be Snuggy (age 22 sophomore season) and Dvorsky (age 21 sophomore season). Then you'd have another one in Stenberg on the 4th line and the other 9 every day forwards would all be aged 24+ with 200+ games of NHL experience.

I also wouldn't say it's a given that the Thomas line would be a matchup line. Let's say that X was filled by trading for Elias Petersson. He's absolutely got his question marks and issues, but he plays a good 2 way game and a Buch-Petey-Kyrou line would not have to be sheltered. Rolling Neighbours-Petey-Buch and/or Buch-Petey-Y for a handful of important defensive shifts would be an option too.

Again, I'm not remotely expecting Carlson to even seriously consider an offer from us and I don't think that we should be aggressively trying to move Parayko plus a bunch of futures for two forward upgrades in an effort to attract one of the RHD UFAs. But I just don't view our existing forwards as an obstacle to adding forward talent.

I'm not huge on Neighbours, but you would have to wonder if they wouldn't think about moving Buch to 3rd and having that be a defensive line.

 

[Brian39]

Yeah lets not forget that Petro held out during his first contract,

He did not. The NFL is the league where guys can hold out during their contract. You are referring to free agency, which is where guys are not currently signed and negotiate contracts. The Petro extension was announced on the 2nd day of training camp in 2013.

demanding top 10 defensemen money then essentially played Armstrong for more money,

Over his first 3 years in the NHL, Petro was 6th in points, 8th in even strength points, and 11th in goals among D men. In his sophomore NHL season, Pietrangelo finished 4th in Norris voting and then in the final season of his ELC he finished 14th.

He had very much established himself as a very high end #1 NHL D man and was the clear #1 D man on the Blues ahead of Jay Bouwmeester, who was making $6.68M against the cap.

He asked for $7M, the Blues were asking for $6M and they got a deal done as soon as both agreed to meet in the middle at $6.5M, putting him in a three way as the 8th highest paid D man behind J-Bo.

Despite missing 2 days of training camp, he finished 5th in Norris voting in the first year of that deal. During the 7 year deal, he had another top 5 finish in Norris votes, and another top 10 finish. He was 10th overall in points, 5th in even strength points, and averaged 25:13 a night for the Blues through the 7 year deal. Looking at playoff stats, he finished 7th in points and 34th in even strength points among NHL D men during the life of the contract, which included captaining the Blues to a Cup with 19 points in 26 games (1st among NHL D men that year and 3rd on the Blues overall). His 16 assists led all players in the 2018/19 playoffs. His 1st period goal in game 7 of the Final held up as the Cup-winning goal.

It's asinine to act like it was remotely unreasonable for him to "demand" top 10 D money after he had established himself as a top 10 NHL D man by age 23 and he provided significantly more than fair value on that contract.

which is his right, but does anyone remember in October of 2019, when Petro's agent met Army in Toronto, and per multiple sources, wanted an offer similar to Drew Doughty, then went months with ZERO contact with the Blues.

I guess you forgot the part where Petro's camp approached the team over the summer to talk about an expansion, were told that the team wanted to wait, and then had ZERO contact with Petro's camp for month before that October meeting? And I guess you just don't care about Doug Armstrong telling reporters that multiple offers were exchanged by both sides throughout the 2019/20 season?

Don't let facts get in the way of feelings though.

 

[Brian39]

I still think we should sign Jacob Trouba to a short term deal.

I can't picture him signing short term here. His wife's career has been a factor in his career decisions for years, so I assume he'd like his next team to be the last one he plays for so she can settle into a longer-term position. If he can't get term, I don't really see the incentive for him to come here over staying in Anaheim or going short term with a contender.

I don't think he's much of a fit for us if we keep Parayko. I think we'd have to give him enough term that it would create a real problem in a couple years. But if we move Parayko, I'd strongly consider a $7.5M x 4 year deal with him. That would take him through his age 35 season (he'd turn 36 in February of the final season). Give him a full NTC until 2/1 of the last year so he has major control until the last few months of the deal. That AAV is higher than I'd like, but I think he'd be a legit 2nd pair guy for the majority of the deal and the cap would be $125M+ by the time he is likley to be a 3rd pair guy. I think his skillset will allow him to still contribute as a (definitely overpaid) 3rd pair guy as he declines.

 

[LGB]

Holloway - Thomas - Snuggerud
Neighbours - X - Kyrou
Berggren - Dvorsky - Buchnevich
Stenberg - Finley - Suter

I would run this. Neighbours and Kyrou had pretty strong numbers together even away from Thomas. I also think this is the best setup for Dvorsky's line. He was much better with Buch than Neighbours last year. I think Buch fits well stylistically with Dvo as he play a possession game and can help more in transition. I'm perfectly content with running Berggren on that line. He was good with Dvo last year and adds some speed and playmaking.

 

[BleedBlue14]

Yeah lets not forget that Petro held out during his first contract, demanding top 10 defensemen money then essentially played Armstrong for more money, which is his right, but does anyone remember in October of 2019, when Petro's agent met Army in Toronto, and per multiple sources, wanted an offer similar to Drew Doughty, then went months with ZERO contact with the Blues.
Steen was essentially "Passed Over" when they named Petro Captain. Not sure dealing with Petro or brining him back for a publicity stunt would be real high on Steen or Army's list.
Petro burned a lot of bridges in the Blues org.
That's IF his chronic deteriorating hip can even make it back.

Gotta wonder if this point, if Petro is a Hallo of Very Good, or if he makes the HOF.
He has the two cups, multiple Gold Medals at different levels, and 1000 games 600+ points.
But the guy has never been a finalist for any individual award.

Petro has always been a me first player, wonder if this comeback attempt is just trying to build on that resume.

Also very likely. The difference is I’m not sure any competitor can take that big of a gamble on Pietros health and contract.

I have a hard time getting mad at any professional athlete for doing what’s best financially for themselves. They’ve earned the right by getting to the point they’re at.

It’s very possible both sides have no interest in it. But I would bet the possibilities of Pietrangelo having interest in coming here would be higher than Carlsons.

 

[Brian39]

Holloway - Thomas - Snuggerud
Neighbours - X - Kyrou
Berggren - Dvorsky - Buchnevich
Stenberg - Finley - Suter

I would run this. Neighbours and Kyrou had pretty strong numbers together even away from Thomas. I also think this is the best setup for Dvorsky's line. He was much better with Buch than Neighbours last year. I think Buch fits well stylistically with Dvo as he play a possession game and can help more in transition. I'm perfectly content with running Berggren on that line. He was good with Dvo last year and adds some speed and playmaking.

I like these if the X is a center with some strong 2 way ability.

Starting Berggren on the 3rd line also creates a real battle for top 9 minutes. Both Stenberg and Suter would know that they could steal that job based on performance and Berggren's skillset would allow him to be effective on a buzz-around 4th line.

 

[Drubilly]

Also very likely. The difference is I’m not sure any competitor can take that big of a gamble on Pietros health and contract.

I have a hard time getting mad at any professional athlete for doing what’s best financially for themselves. They’ve earned the right by getting to the point they’re at.

It’s very possible both sides have no interest in it. But I would bet the possibilities of Pietrangelo having interest in coming here would be higher than Carlsons.

I’d happily trade for Petro and Vegas’s first to help them out….

 

[Brian39]

Also very likely. The difference is I’m not sure any competitor can take that big of a gamble on Pietros health and contract.

I have a hard time getting mad at any professional athlete for doing what’s best financially for themselves. They’ve earned the right by getting to the point they’re at.

It’s very possible both sides have no interest in it. But I would bet the possibilities of Pietrangelo having interest in coming here would be higher than Carlsons.

I'm not interested in Petro if we're selling futures to try and build a contending-caliber forward group right now. But I think Petro makes sense if the 2026/27 priorities are development first with the stated goal of taking the next step to making the playoffs. Especially if we trade Parayko.

In a world where Petro decides to try and return to the NHL, we should be able to get an asset from Vegas to take him. An attempted return (with no certainty of how he will play or his ability to stay healthy) would be a potential disaster for Vegas.

He has a full NMC and holds essentially all the leverage to not get bullied into accepting season-ending LTIR. If he wants to try to return for Vegas and has a doctor who will clear him to play, he has essentially the absolute ability to force his way onto their roster. They have no real leverage to strongarm him to a place he doesn't want to go and there is a very real chance that his list of acceptable locations would be St. Louis alone.

Meanwhile, the new LTIR rules really diminish the relief they'd get from him bouncing on/off LTIR without declaring 'done for the year' again and they are one of the few teams really up against it with the cap. Suddenly having to allocate $8.8M of space to him would be a huge blow to their roster construction next season. They currently have $4.6M in space with 15 guys signed. Everyone on their roster making $3.5M+ has trade protection. Excluding Petro, 5 of them have full NMC/NTCS, Hertl has a 28 team no-trade list and Hill's biggest piece of trade protection is the $6.25M AAV for 5 more seasons.

If he wants to attempt a return, there is a realistic scenario where Army/Steen would have the leverage to ask for their 2028 1st round pick and plausibly have the leverage to hold firm to that request. Maybe we'd eventually include a couple mid-round picks to even out value. But outside of Trevor Connelly, their prospect pool is complete garbage and they don't have and 2nds in the next 3 drafts. So it isn't like they have anything they could offer us that is lesser value than the 1st without being a dramatic drop in value.

Petro could put Vegas in a really, really bad spot and I'd be very happy to try and take advantage of the situation.

 

[ExJbeck]

I'm not interested in Petro if we're selling futures to try and build a contending-caliber forward group right now. But I think Petro makes sense if the 2026/27 priorities are development first with the stated goal of taking the next step to making the playoffs. Especially if we trade Parayko.

In a world where Petro decides to try and return to the NHL, we should be able to get an asset from Vegas to take him. An attempted return (with no certainty of how he will play or his ability to stay healthy) would be a potential disaster for Vegas.

He has a full NMC and holds essentially all the leverage to not get bullied into accepting season-ending LTIR. If he wants to try to return for Vegas and has a doctor who will clear him to play, he has essentially the absolute ability to force his way onto their roster. They have no real leverage to strongarm him to a place he doesn't want to go and there is a very real chance that his list of acceptable locations would be St. Louis alone.

Meanwhile, the new LTIR rules really diminish the relief they'd get from him bouncing on/off LTIR without declaring 'done for the year' again and they are one of the few teams really up against it with the cap. Suddenly having to allocate $8.8M of space to him would be a huge blow to their roster construction next season. They currently have $4.6M in space with 15 guys signed. Everyone on their roster making $3.5M+ has trade protection. Excluding Petro, 5 of them have full NMC/NTCS, Hertl has a 28 team no-trade list and Hill's biggest piece of trade protection is the $6.25M AAV for 5 more seasons.

If he wants to attempt a return, there is a realistic scenario where Army/Steen would have the leverage to ask for their 2028 1st round pick and plausibly have the leverage to hold firm to that request. Maybe we'd eventually include a couple mid-round picks to even out value. But outside of Trevor Connelly, their prospect pool is complete garbage and they don't have and 2nds in the next 3 drafts. So it isn't like they have anything they could offer us that is lesser value than the 1st without being a dramatic drop in value.

Petro could put Vegas in a really, really bad spot and I'd be very happy to try and take advantage of the situation.

You make a lot of really good points. I am on board with this thinking.

I will say I would even take him back for future considerations if he really thought he was going to play and wanted to retire a Blue. I don't really see us going after anyone in free agency except a low cost 5/6 defender. He could fill that role even with Parayko still here as far as I am concerned.

Side note - I think there was a pretty significant drop off in Tuckers game last season. I wonder if someone like Petro as partner could help turn it back around for him. I thought pretty highly of the minutes we got from Suter - Tucker.

 

[Reality Czech]

I'm not huge on Neighbours, but you would have to wonder if they wouldn't think about moving Buch to 3rd and having that be a defensive line.

If we're making a shutdown line, we'd better put our own Selke candidate Kyrou on it.

 

[Bye Bye Blueston]

Has there been anything to indicate petro will play again? Before the season it sounded like this was career ending injury. What has changed?

 

[Brian39]

You make a lot of really good points. I am on board with this thinking.

I will say I would even take him back for future considerations if he really thought he was going to play and wanted to retire a Blue. I don't really see us going after anyone in free agency except a low cost 5/6 defender. He could fill that role even with Parayko still here as far as I am concerned.

Side note - I think there was a pretty significant drop off in Tuckers game last season. I wonder if someone like Petro as partner could help turn it back around for him. I thought pretty highly of the minutes we got from Suter - Tucker.

This is a cutthroat business and Vegas is the most cutthroat organization in the league.

I'm not really interested in bailing them out of a problem.

Because as much as I love Petro the player, he's 36 years old, didn't play this season, and missed time with injuries in the last 3 seasons he did play. Giving him a spot in the lineup to try and return carries a real opportunity cost if he is either completely washed or can play at an NHL level but can't dress every night to manage his hip. There is a real possibility you get to the 3 week point of the season, realizes that can't go anymore, and suddenly your blueline has a big hole in it that you are scrambling to fill.

I'm content taking that risk if we get paid an asset. I don't think I am if the only potential benefit is that he can play and then either retire, walk, or need an extension next summer.

 

[Brian39]

Has there been anything to indicate petro will play again? Before the season it sounded like this was career ending injury. What has changed?

ESPN did their 'way too early next season rankings' and included this line in their analysis/ranking of Vegas:

"This offseason might also bring about some clarity on Alex Pietrangelo, who took the 2025-26 season off while recovering from an injury but has indicated that he is attempting to make a comeback."

It is unclear whether this is based on something told to one of the writers recently or if it is simply speculation based on him leaving a return to the NHL on the table last fall. The phrasing suggests it is recent information, but who knows in an article like this.

 

[bleedblue1223]

Because it's been discussed, it's been reported by LeBrun that Carlson wants to return to the East, so for anyone wanting him, cross him off the list.

 

[BleedBlue14]

I'm not interested in Petro if we're selling futures to try and build a contending-caliber forward group right now. But I think Petro makes sense if the 2026/27 priorities are development first with the stated goal of taking the next step to making the playoffs. Especially if we trade Parayko.

In a world where Petro decides to try and return to the NHL, we should be able to get an asset from Vegas to take him. An attempted return (with no certainty of how he will play or his ability to stay healthy) would be a potential disaster for Vegas.

He has a full NMC and holds essentially all the leverage to not get bullied into accepting season-ending LTIR. If he wants to try to return for Vegas and has a doctor who will clear him to play, he has essentially the absolute ability to force his way onto their roster. They have no real leverage to strongarm him to a place he doesn't want to go and there is a very real chance that his list of acceptable locations would be St. Louis alone.

Meanwhile, the new LTIR rules really diminish the relief they'd get from him bouncing on/off LTIR without declaring 'done for the year' again and they are one of the few teams really up against it with the cap. Suddenly having to allocate $8.8M of space to him would be a huge blow to their roster construction next season. They currently have $4.6M in space with 15 guys signed. Everyone on their roster making $3.5M+ has trade protection. Excluding Petro, 5 of them have full NMC/NTCS, Hertl has a 28 team no-trade list and Hill's biggest piece of trade protection is the $6.25M AAV for 5 more seasons.

If he wants to attempt a return, there is a realistic scenario where Army/Steen would have the leverage to ask for their 2028 1st round pick and plausibly have the leverage to hold firm to that request. Maybe we'd eventually include a couple mid-round picks to even out value. But outside of Trevor Connelly, their prospect pool is complete garbage and they don't have and 2nds in the next 3 drafts. So it isn't like they have anything they could offer us that is lesser value than the 1st without being a dramatic drop in value.

Petro could put Vegas in a really, really bad spot and I'd be very happy to try and take advantage of the situation.

I’d love to work a way to essentially get Pietro and Karlsson for free for absorbing the cap.

 

[Blues7]

I think if Kyrou gets traded it will be to NYI or NJ.

And if Parayko gets traded it will be to the Ducks, Sharks or Sabers.

 

[bleedblue1223]

I can't tell if the Kyrou/Islanders links is basically the same piece of information being recycled over and over again or if those writers know that something will continue between the teams. If they keep Barzal and want someone with speed to keep up with him, Kyrou makes a ton of sense. That's where I'd lean for a deal happening.

I think Parayko ends up in Anaheim. I think it's just an insanely good fit for them and there's a few options that make sense as trade targets for us.

 

[Stealth JD]

If Parayko got dealt to Anaheim, I’d want McQueen and/or Solberg as the main piece(s) coming back…not McTavish.

From NYI, I’d expect 13+ for Kyrou, but I’d prefer the Blues not trade him simply because the hysterics from the mouth-breathers are too enjoyable with him around.

 

[Reality Czech]

I can't tell if the Kyrou/Islanders links is basically the same piece of information being recycled over and over again or if those writers know that something will continue between the teams. If they keep Barzal and want someone with speed to keep up with him, Kyrou makes a ton of sense. That's where I'd lean for a deal happening.

I think Parayko ends up in Anaheim. I think it's just an insanely good fit for them and there's a few options that make sense as trade targets for us.

They better make it worth our while because I don't think we're gonna find a better RD at that price than Parayko. And if they don't, I hope we keep him.

 

[bleedblue1223]

They better make it worth our while because I don't think we're gonna find a better RD at that price than Parayko. And if they don't, I hope we keep him.

I don't think they are deadset on making the playoffs next season, so that's why I think they will prioritize a return that helps the younger core as opposed to being worried about his replacement for next season. Next season will be about more young players taking their next step.

 

[LetsGoBooze]

I don't think they are deadset on making the playoffs next season, so that's why I think they will prioritize a return that helps the younger core as opposed to being worried about his replacement for next season. Next season will be about more young players taking their next step.

This is why im not nearly as worried about the 2C spot as some others. We have plenty of time to address the issue over the next couple seasons, and if Dvo takes a big step by end of next season we may have the answer on the roster already. There will be more growing pains but thats part of the process, we just need to keep building and letting the kids develop. I have faith in the re-tool so long as we dont try to rush it. Let it breathe, even if it is through our own mouths.

 

[Brian39]

If Parayko got dealt to Anaheim, I’d want McQueen and/or Solberg as the main piece(s) coming back…not McTavish.

I'd be surprised if Anaheim would be willing to do McQueen plus another premium asset for Parayko. It seems like they love McQueen. I like McQueen, but I'd need more than just him to give up Parayko. I just see a huge range of potential futures for McQueen, including some where he take 4-5 more years to actualize into a flawed and often frustrating middle 6 NHL center. I think he will be more than that, but I'm less sold on his top 6 center upside than a lot of similarly ranked/hyped prospects. But I also see why Anaheim wouldn't add a ton to him.

I'm definitely not doing it for Solberg as the primary piece. I wasn't high on him at the draft and I haven't gotten any higher on him since. I think he was pretty accurately assessed as a "2nd half of the 1st round" prospect and I'm not moving Parayko for that as the main piece.

I'd do McQueen plus one of Solberg/Luneau.

But I think it is much more likely that they wouldn't budge on that ask and would counter with McTavish and one of Solberg/Luneau.

From NYI, I’d expect 13+ for Kyrou, but I’d prefer the Blues not trade him simply because the hysterics from the mouth-breathers are too enjoyable with him around.

I'm not interested in moving Kyrou for straight futures where the primary asset is pick 13 in a draft where we already have picks 11 and 15. If that's the value then I'd rather keep him.

 

[LogosBlue]

I'd be surprised if Anaheim would be willing to do McQueen plus another premium asset for Parayko. It seems like they love McQueen. I like McQueen, but I'd need more than just him to give up Parayko. I just see a huge range of potential futures for McQueen, including some where he take 4-5 more years to actualize into a flawed and often frustrating middle 6 NHL center. I think he will be more than that, but I'm less sold on his top 6 center upside than a lot of similarly ranked/hyped prospects. But I also see why Anaheim wouldn't add a ton to him.

I'm definitely not doing it for Solberg as the primary piece. I wasn't high on him at the draft and I haven't gotten any higher on him since. I think he was pretty accurately assessed as a "2nd half of the 1st round" prospect and I'm not moving Parayko for that as the main piece.

I'd do McQueen plus one of Solberg/Luneau.

But I think it is much more likely that they wouldn't budge on that ask and would counter with McTavish and one of Solberg/Luneau.


I'm not interested in moving Kyrou for straight futures where the primary asset is pick 13 in a draft where we already have picks 11 and 15. If that's the value then I'd rather keep him.

I would take a pure futures trade for Kyrou (from the Isle) if it included multiple 1st's. Their pick this year and next and maybe Luca Romano. I guess i just see next year as a development year for the upcoming young core. I don't believe the front office will be pushing to make the playoffs either. Of course that's a bonus if they do but I don't think it's their main priority.

I'm not down with trading Parayko to the Ducks. If San Jose were interested, there are some players / deals I would be interested talking to them about.

 

[Spektre]

I'd be surprised if Anaheim would be willing to do McQueen plus another premium asset for Parayko. It seems like they love McQueen. I like McQueen, but I'd need more than just him to give up Parayko. I just see a huge range of potential futures for McQueen, including some where he take 4-5 more years to actualize into a flawed and often frustrating middle 6 NHL center. I think he will be more than that, but I'm less sold on his top 6 center upside than a lot of similarly ranked/hyped prospects. But I also see why Anaheim wouldn't add a ton to him.

I'm definitely not doing it for Solberg as the primary piece. I wasn't high on him at the draft and I haven't gotten any higher on him since. I think he was pretty accurately assessed as a "2nd half of the 1st round" prospect and I'm not moving Parayko for that as the main piece.

I'd do McQueen plus one of Solberg/Luneau.

But I think it is much more likely that they wouldn't budge on that ask and would counter with McTavish and one of Solberg/Luneau.


I'm not interested in moving Kyrou for straight futures where the primary asset is pick 13 in a draft where we already have picks 11 and 15. If that's the value then I'd rather keep him.

Two part what if game....

Would you trade Kyrou for pick 13 + (futures package) and Parayko for the same type of 1st round pick +, if you were willing to offer sheet Leo Carlsson at the cost of 4 first round picks?

I'll edit it with the caveat that you knew Carlsson would sign which would then cost you 4 1st round picks.

I know the Ducks have like 38 million in cap space for next year, but what if?

 

[SirPaste]

I would take a pure futures trade for Kyrou (from the Isle) if it included multiple 1st's. Their pick this year and next and maybe Luca Romano. I guess i just see next year as a development year for the upcoming young core. I don't believe the front office will be pushing to make the playoffs either. Of course that's a bonus if they do but I don't think it's their main priority.

I'm not down with trading Parayko to the Ducks. If San Jose were interested, there are some players / deals I would be interested talking to them about.

I don’t have much interest in more 1sts at this point, for me it’s Aitcheson or bust with the Isles. Ritchie is also very interesting.