Frank Seravalli just said on his podcast that teams are going to be paying Montreal for Lehkonen similar to what Tampa paid for Coleman at the TD. I'm not going to agree with it, but he's worth a lot more than this package.

I would rather keep Lehky

Interesting, then no thanks. Habs nearly traded him to STL for Blais last year

Blues have zero need for Lehkonen

They were interested at last year's TD, so there is interest there, not sure if that need has been filled or not though

He’s an elite defensive forward and 5v5 defense is by far our biggest (only??) weakness. Huge upgrade on anyone on the fourth line

they have one of if not the deepest forward groups in the NHL. No need to give up a good prospect + for a 4th liner. I don't remember seeing that the were interested in him last year, even if they were that time has past.

Yeah but the majority of our forwards have struggled defensively this year. We don’t have a matchup line at all and Lehkonen could do that.

I see what Serivalli is saying, defensive players are highly underrated by fans most see them as replacement level players because they rarely produce offensively. However actual hockey knowledgeable people know their value. It's why fans are often surprised when a Blake Coleman returns a 1st + top prospect.

Elite is a bit of an overstatement. Also, Ducks are pushing for the playoffs so I doubt they trade Lindholm

I don’t think Lehk is Coleman tier (Coleman had 20 goals that year) but yes still very valuable.

Elite defensive numbers, fantastic stick, passes my eye test every time. I think Ducks will fall out tbh. .547 points %…somevody will step up and pass that when all the games are played.

Oh I wasn't saying Lehks was Coleman level but Lehks offense is also underrated. He has the skill to put up 15+ goals, he put up 18 in his rookie year but he is better known for his defense and is still not in the same tier as Coleman so I could see something like 2 2nds or a 1st + 3rd or 4th

i think Lehky gets us a 2nd and a B level prospect. i dont think he's getting the same return that coleman got, but even a 2nd rd pick is a win for the habs

Tsn had an article on him Dec 23rd.



I'd say that puts him in elite company.
I'm sure it's gone down some now, as you can only keep your head above water so long when your team is drowning, but Lehkonen has an underrated reputation as a defensive forward. His p/g at 0.4 is a nice bonus in a bottom 6 penalty killer as well.
If not elite, he's at least one of the best options (potentially) available.

He's also leading all forwards in defensive WAR

Just cause they are deep in scoring doesn’t mean that total team defense is up to par lekkonean isn’t a scoring forward

they are seventh in GA/PG and have the number 4th ranked PK. They team defense is not that bad. No need to give up anything of value for a guy that will never play more than 8 minutes per game for the Blues.

Blues have a great PK and are top-5 in goals saved above expected (mostly from Husso and Chuck which is concerning in itself) but their 5v5 d is still putrid. Lehkonen would bring a ton to this team

How, whos minutes are you going to be giving up to let him play. If you want a significant upgrade for defense you do it on LD not a 4th liner than play 7 minutes a game

In place of Kostin, cut Saad or Schenn or minutes, play him when defending a lead. You’re seriously underselling Lehkonen.

That was last season. Blues arguably have the deepest forward group in the league. No need for him now.

Deepest forward group in the league, except every single one besides Buch, ROR, and Perron have been below average defensively. He’s exactly what we need. Well, not exactly, another D who can make a 10 foot pass might be more helpful.

Defenseman is a must need. Parayko hasn't been good and needs to be better. But the team defense is just fine. No need for Lehkonen. I like him, just no need for him

I do think defensive forwards is something we lack and that we haven’t filled the void left by Schwartz and even Steen, but yeah after watching last night we’re gonna need two defenseman. A legit top-4 who can pass and defend, and a serviceable 6-7. Lindholm and Lybushskin??? Scandella is simply not playable, neither is Bortz (although I love him,) and I think Mikkola is a 5/Pk specialist on a champion. Also have to pray Parayko figured it tf out. Dude got walked by Tucker freaking Poolman and iced the puck under no pressure like 5 times yesterday. At least Faulk and Krug are still dominating their matchups.

I would be much more confident in a group of:

Lindholm-55
47-72
77-48