Nice, trade of two players from same draft, both statistically trending in the wrong direction. But I think Vilardi has higher potential, is more suitable to play C and still has 1 year left on ELC. Money also matters. I guess STL should add a pick or two (2023 2nd?) and a deal could go through. GMs can't just trade high draft selections for comparable lower selections, it makes management group look bad.

Very well analyzed and well put. I'm 100% in agreement.

Very well articulated but I have issue with "statistically trending wrong direction etc." especially Vilardi and Thomas seemingly just had a down year

Mostly scoring wise as he was at +3 corsi rel

Not to mention in a small sample all told

Not sure about the Kings, but the Blues pass.

Do they though? Hm. 🤔

STL would've definitely taken Vilardi ahead of thomas in the draft if he was available and he has progressed about as planned, Thomas struggling recently

Seems very likely STL accept

Huh? Thomas has progressed much further, even with the multiple injury interruptions last season. The Blues absolutely reject this.

Both guys have missed some time from injuries, I'd say Vilardi's injury history is the scarier one (back). For me, I'm taking the better skater, guy that's already on my favorite team heh. In related news I feel like Robert Thomas has become extremely slept on after a disappointing season. He's not a finished product, and he's already shown that he can dominate shifts in the NHL. His value over Vilardi is marginal, if any at all, but he'd still be my pick all things considered.

Struggling recently despite producing at a higher rate than Vilardi this past season at even strength (1.84 p/60 to 1.73). Can't just look at the boxcars of a broken up 33 game season to draw these types of conclusions.

I'd take Vilardi over Thomas, but the disparity isn't huge.