Équipe: 2023-24 Blues de St-Louis

Date de création initiale: 11 févr. 2024

Publié: 11 févr. 2024

Mode - plafond salarial: Basique

The Blues have won 7 out of their past 8 games and are really heating up under Bannister. The powerplay has greatly improved, the forecheck has been active every game, and the defense has been sound. On top of that we're getting great goalie play from Binner and Hofer. So what will the Blues do at this upcoming deadline? Realistically, if the Blues are in a playoff spot, they can't afford to sell. They don't really have too many players to sell off at this years trade deadline so all the more reason I think Army will hold on to most, if not all, of his pending UFAs. For example, why trade Scandella for a late round pick when he would be an important part of your defense and PK in the playoffs, it's just unlikely Army makes that type of move. At the same time, this is still a "retooling" team. The Blues are over performing given their current roster and it could fall apart at some point. So because of that, Army will unlikely shell out picks or prospects for rentals at the TDL (at least hopefully).

Here's what I think is the best case scenario given what Army will likely do. I think the Blues will sign Snuggerud at the end of his college season and he will join the roster if the Blues are still pushing for a playoff spot or are already in the playoffs. Secondly, I think Army needs to look at upgrading on Kapanen in the middle 6 RW. This would hopefully come in the form of a younger player in need of a change of scenery and a player that could be a part of the Blues long term future. It would be nice to get more of a two way player who can play a physical, Blues style of game.

What I would do if I was Army: Sell high on vets. Trade guys like Hayes, Saad, Leddy, Faulk, etc... who aren't vital for this team and let younger players like Bolduc, Snuggerud, Perunovich, and Kessel take their place in the lineup. That unfortunately will likely not happen and the Blues will roll with their vets.

Below are some of the players I think the Blues could target if they look to add a middle 6 winger. I think Kapanen, Blais, Alexandrov, and one of our 2nd round picks could be in play in any of the trades.

A player I would like the Blues to target that would be free is Collin Graf out of Quinnipiac University. He currently has 38 points in 24 games and looks like a rare case of an undrafted college free agent that could actually be a difference maker.

Question for Blues fans: What do you think this team does at the deadline? What do you hope they do at the deadline?

Fans of teams I "traded" with: What are your thoughts on the players I'm interested in? How much would it cost to get them or are they even worth the trade?

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