guesses

Yes, every guess is up in the air with defense in reference to this team. You can make an argument for a trade still, for Aho taking the spot, Hickey or one of the guys you mentioned.

My biggest thing is still with Tarasenko. It has been said that other teams have opted to go in different directions. (other teams reported, which is why I believe a little more) New Jersey was mentioned that they did not not like the medical from Tarasenko and that's why they went with Tatar. I wouldn't want to give up multiple pieces for him knowing we MIGHT need help on D at some point and may need pieces for that.

I could be wrong but I really don't think the Blues want Bailey. He's a good player but Blues don't want him for 3 years. They want Tarasenko's money freed up for next year. They need to resign Parayko after this season - hoping he can get something similar to Pelech but fearful after seeing Nurse, Werenski, and Jones deals. The Blues also really want to make a play for M. Tkachuk eventually. Thinking the deal would be more like Komarov, Hickey, and then Blues actually get back decent player(s) Salo, Dobson, Bolduc, maybe Wilde (although don't really like his game) and maybe a 2nd. I also don't really consider Bellows to be that good since he's always one of the ones offered by Isles fans. Most of those that say Tarasenko is damaged goods, also seem to want him on their top line which is ironic...

The more this goes on, think Blues might make Tarasenko come back and prove his health/value. He hasn't had an off-season since the Blues won the cup and is apparently getting in really good shape. I think he'll score at least 30 next year. I also don't think he's damaged goods - think he's finally healthy.

You hope Tarasenko's healthy. If it's true that his medicals scared off other teams, then that's a huge problem. Don't hope for the best, prepare for the worst. Also don't do sunk cost fallacy. And expecting him to be a 30 goal scorer after 3 shoulder surgeries isn't going to be easy. Plus, he doesn't want to be on the team and his contract is a lot of money. If the Devils and Rangers have dropped out, what other options do the Blues have to trade him? If it's a limited market the Blues should just bite the bullet and take the best return they can- and if they're up against Lou Lamoriello, prepare for pain (assuming the Isles are in the running).

Weird - you're and Islanders fan... "The Blues should just take Lou's offer so we can then project Tarasenko on our first line". The Blues GM is just as stubborn as Lou, so good luck with that. The Rangers were never in on Tarasenko otherwise that trade would have happened with the Buchnevich trade.

There’s no way you actually think it’s realistic that the Blues can get a player like Dobson for Tarasenko.