I think it’ll be opposite. O’Reilly is still gonna get a first at minimum and I’ll be surprised if Tarasenko does.

The isles will be sellers

My guesses:

It will be hard to move any players because cap space is pretty tight league wide. Both sides need to have room for any action.

I would be surprised if Tarasenko moved, but I could see him joining the Devils.

Unfortunately for the Blues, it will be difficult for most teams to fit Tarasenko, implying his value is low - the value of skaters at the deadline is basically supply and demand. With Patrick Kane, Brock Boesser rumored to be available, the Blues would be trading into a high supply, low demand environment. I’d guess 25% chance he moves, and the price will make people scratch their heads.

Tarasenko guess: outside chance at a 2nd and prospect.

Orielly, on the other hand, should command much more value. There are far fewer players of his type rumored available, his cap cost is lower, and he plays more roles, and commands more ice time than Tarasenko, conn smythe, selke, captaincy, etc. Orielly is basically the perfect rental in all regards. Additionally, teams considering an off season push for Bo Horvat could look to win the cup the current season with Orielly.

O’Rielly guess: similar to Paul stastny trade to Winnipeg years ago except slightly more value coming back to STL. Perhaps Vegas. 1st, 2nd, 3rd in picks or prospects in value.

Barbashev is also interesting. But if the Blues lose Orielly then I think they have to keep Barbashev.

Devils GM has been consistent that he won’t be buying rentals this year. I suppose if Tarasenko extended, or if his price become super cheap, that could change. But right now, it appears unlikely for NJD based on GM comments.

Agree entirely,

My only suspicion of NJD is your cap window coming up and center depth. It would be a good fit maybe.

With the cap the way it is, it’s getting hard just to find good fits for transactions.

I do think if somebody does get him, the price will make most of the hockey world think the Blues got ripped off, but I don’t think they’re going to have much of a choice.

As we go into the all-star break, I’m worried that our recent hot streak of winning two whole games will make Lou forget about losing like 11 out of 13 just before that, spurring him to buy at the deadline

Whatever happens this team will be forced into a rebuild. They can acquire Timo Meier , clone him and the isles would still miss the playoffs. They are less skilled than Arizona and Anaheim