Idea

I am absolutely not against receiving Kakko in a trade or him taking up some value in a package, but I'd have to assume this offer would not work for Buch by himself un-retained.

I think kakko would still be valued similarly to a mid/late 1st rounder, he's only 23 and was the 2nd overall pick not that long ago. He's been good but this year with the combination of injuries and a new coach it doesn't seem to be working out that well in NY, and with him needing a new contract this summer I wouldn't be overly surprised if the rangers move on for someone else (like buchnevich). The value overall might not be quite enough but I don't think Buch would fetch that much more than this.

This doesn’t get Buch unretained tbh

Kakko is fine as minor piece but he shouldn’t be the biggest part of the value or half the value.

I respect your opinion, but would disagree with it not being that long ago. KK has 5 seasons in the NHL and hasn't really progressed well. After 5 years being a 2nd oa draft pick has little meaning on the profile of the player. In a vacuum I would only be comfortable trading a 2nd for Kappo Kaako.

Would understand it if we took something like this for Buch. Don’t believe it’s necessarily ideal though.

In terms of Kakko, it’s a fine line to walk with former high picks. He hasn’t really reached the Puljujaarvi status in Edmonton, but he’s not that far off. I would be fairly comfortable giving up like a 2nd for him from a Blues POV. But I’m not sure out a 1st round value on him. Next season we a going to he pretty defining for him. There’s room here for him and a genuine need to better the middle 6. But with where we’re at the primary objective of tearing down a very productive piece for us should be forecasting the backend on either side.