To CGY: Huberdeau, Weegar, Schwindt, 2025 FLA 1st (lottery protected)
To FLA: Tkachuk, 2025 CGY 4th
The premise: Columbus has a lot of young forwards that fit in the top-6 on style of play, but none that are true impact players right now. A roster crunch might force some of them into the bottom-6 or out of town (not ideal), so the idea is to find a young (~25) established NHLer who could break out to be that star player.
It's entirely possible that person is in-house already (Laine), but between Gaudreau, Laine, Johnson, Chinakhov, Marchenko, and one of Fantilli/Jenner/Sillinger/Voronkov, we've got 6 players penciled into 4 top-6 wing spots long-term. None of them are getting moved for a package of futures/picks, but I could see basically any of them being moved for a true Tkachuk-like upgrade.
What are the targets? What would it take? And is it something Columbus even considers, let alone any of these teams?
(And yes, I apologize, I know "insert player here" isn't available. CBJ hears it enough with Boone, Voronkov, Jiricek, etc. That's why the Tkachuk trade is so rare, chances are vary slim, I don't foresee any of these happening.)
I'd say about half these teams tell CBJ one of 2024 1st, Jiricek , Fantilli need to be involved to even consider talking (for Connor, Robertson, Barzal, Keller at least)
I'm not sure if Columbus has any pieces that they'd be willing to move and I'd want in return for a Batherson trade. But it would have to be at least a very good prospect and a good roster player.
The big issue to me is that if you're looking for a Tkachuk-style trade, CBJ has to be sending back a Huberdeau & a Weegar and I don't know if that's on this roster currently. I can see a Laine or Gaudreau being the Huberdeau, but the closest to Weegar I can see is Provorov - and considering Provorov is already collecting $6.75M per year on his deal, I don't think you're going to be able to extend him to the type of contract Weegar agreed to.
I think you can immediately rule out Barzal & Bratt, though - I can't see two GMs making this type of trade intra-divisionally. I also think that Necas/Konecny/Batherson, while very good, are not quite on the level that Tkachuk was at the time of the deal.
Keller is the most interesting option to me - the Coyotes are losing more than $13M in dead contract IR this summer (Bryan Little/Jakub Voracek), and while there are always dead contracts to acquire, I think bringing in Gaudreau & Provorov for Keller would be an interesting move. I think the issue is that NTCs start rearing their ugly heads when you talk about sending someone to the Mullett.
The largest difference is that with the exception of Necas, all other players have term, and a couple are still RFAs afterword. Acknowledging that Necas is not as good as Tkachuck, the return would be Provorov (Weegar comp, worse player) and Laine (Huberdeau comp, worse player), 2026 1st, Blankenberg (or another prospect like Schwindt).
That being said, I doubt that package would interest the Canes. Ignoring contract status, the closest comparable to Tkachuk would probably be Robertson (whom I imagine is untouchable) but the ask would be 2025, 2026 1sts, Werenski, and Chinakov/Marchenko.
I know he isn’t on your list but the blues would likely be willing to trade kyrou for the 25 first and one of Marchenko, voronkov, or chinakov. I doubt they would ever trade Thomas.
I'd say about half these teams tell CBJ one of 2024 1st, Jiricek , Fantilli need to be involved to even consider talking (for Connor, Robertson, Barzal, Keller at least)
Yeah, which is 100% fair, but also not something Columbus likely considers. Of the ones on here, Connor, Robertson, Barzal, Keller, and Thomas are probably way off the table anyway. As others are saying, we don't really have a Huberdeau (maybe Gaudreau, or Laine), but neither had a 100+ point season right before the trade.
It's the kind of thing that makes sense for Columbus based on roster construction, but doesn't make sense for the rest of the league (at least not soon). Aside from Necas, they've all got term anyway.
I'm not sure if Columbus has any pieces that they'd be willing to move and I'd want in return for a Batherson trade. But it would have to be at least a very good prospect and a good roster player.
I mean, a good prospect and roster player would be on the table in this instance. The whole list is in the Blues trade. It only makes sense of Ottawa decided to change course drastically, but if you wanted some high-potential pieces coming back we've got that. I also don't know that he's got Tkachuk-potential, so it could be a lateral trade anyway.
The big issue to me is that if you're looking for a Tkachuk-style trade, CBJ has to be sending back a Huberdeau & a Weegar and I don't know if that's on this roster currently. I can see a Laine or Gaudreau being the Huberdeau, but the closest to Weegar I can see is Provorov - and considering Provorov is already collecting $6.75M per year on his deal, I don't think you're going to be able to extend him to the type of contract Weegar agreed to.
I think you can immediately rule out Barzal & Bratt, though - I can't see two GMs making this type of trade intra-divisionally. I also think that Necas/Konecny/Batherson, while very good, are not quite on the level that Tkachuk was at the time of the deal.
Keller is the most interesting option to me - the Coyotes are losing more than $13M in dead contract IR this summer (Bryan Little/Jakub Voracek), and while there are always dead contracts to acquire, I think bringing in Gaudreau & Provorov for Keller would be an interesting move. I think the issue is that NTCs start rearing their ugly heads when you talk about sending someone to the Mullett.
Gaudreau/Laine are the closest we have to Huberdeau, and yes Provorov would be the Weegar. I don't think Provorov makes $6.75 on his next deal based on how he's played, so a Weegar extension in the $6.25M range would be on the table (and honestly probably a bit high).
I agree on Barzal, Bratt, etc. but I think it's for reasons aside from in-division (Lou being committed to his guys, Bratt being a critical part of a NJ team that's competing now, etc.). Of these options, Necas and Keller are the most likely ones, but again, I doubt either team moves them. Gaudreau's full NMC makes him almost a non-option as a trade piece, but someone like Laine or Johnson with either no trade protection or limited trade protection might be willing to go to Arizona, especially if they're getting guaranteed top-line minutes.
The largest difference is that with the exception of Necas, all other players have term, and a couple are still RFAs afterword. Acknowledging that Necas is not as good as Tkachuck, the return would be Provorov (Weegar comp, worse player) and Laine (Huberdeau comp, worse player), 2026 1st, Blankenberg (or another prospect like Schwindt).
That being said, I doubt that package would interest the Canes. Ignoring contract status, the closest comparable to Tkachuk would probably be Robertson (whom I imagine is untouchable) but the ask would be 2025, 2026 1sts, Werenski, and Chinakov/Marchenko.
I have zero expectation that Dallas would move Robertson...it would have to take a 1st-round collapse multiple years in a row and a desperate effort to shake up the team drastically for them to consider it. But hey, I can dream. Term does likely make most of these guys unavailable.
I think Necas could be the most realistic target, and honestly I think Columbus would be willing to part with a package like Provorov (50% retained), Laine, Johnson, and someone like Ceulemans to grab him. That would be a 2LD at less than $3M, a high-scoring winger when healthy, a high-potential wing prospect and recent top-5 pick who's an NHLer now, and a RD with some upside. I don't know what other CBJ fans would think, but is that a package Carolina even considers?
I know he isn’t on your list but the blues would likely be willing to trade kyrou for the 25 first and one of Marchenko, voronkov, or chinakov. I doubt they would ever trade Thomas.
I'd absolutely consider Kyrou. Tried to keep it to one player per team to minimize annoying other fanbases, but that's another good option.
I'd hate to break up the Siberian line, but of those three I think Chinakhov is the more likely to go. I think we'd need to send 2 forwards out, though, to make room. So maybe Johnson and Chinakhov for Kyrou + ???, or even straight-up? Otherwise we're back to square one: too many top-6 forwards, not enough places to play them.
I don’t think theres an above 0 chance the Blues would trade Thomas. We haven’t had a true dual threat 1C in years and we have one now on a fantastic contract with him still being young. I don’t really want to get in to what I would need to consider it as it would look outlandish.
I don’t think theres an above 0 chance the Blues would trade Thomas. We haven’t had a true dual threat 1C in years and we have one now on a fantastic contract with him still being young. I don’t really want to get in to what I would need to consider it as it would look outlandish.
Yeah, that's 100% fair. I imagine it includes at least the 2024 1st, or Fantilli, or Jiricek, which wouldn't make sense for Columbus anyway. Discussions would be very very short.
Wow. Not only are you NEVER getting Thomas, but the "assets" you want to offer up is a basically a list of absolute dog****. But sure, I'm sure everyone will line up to give you absolute locked down stars while letting you keep your 24 1st and all your best prospects. Good lord.
Yeah, that's 100% fair. I imagine it includes at least the 2024 1st, or Fantilli, or Jiricek, which wouldn't make sense for Columbus anyway. Discussions would be very very short.
I wouldn’t consider it without at least 2, maybe 3 of them. It would just have to look outlandish for it to sense any form of value for the Blues. Just not a good time for it.
Wow. Not only are you NEVER getting Thomas, but the "assets" you want to offer up is a basically a list of absolute dog****. But sure, I'm sure everyone will line up to give you absolute locked down stars while letting you keep your 24 1st and all your best prospects. Good lord.
From the description: "(And yes, I apologize, I know "insert player here" isn't available. CBJ hears it enough with Boone, Voronkov, Jiricek, etc. That's why the Tkachuk trade is so rare, chances are vary slim, I don't foresee any of these happening.)"
And literally 2 comments above:
Quoting: CaseyFlyman
Yeah, that's 100% fair. I imagine it includes at least the 2024 1st, or Fantilli, or Jiricek, which wouldn't make sense for Columbus anyway. Discussions would be very very short.
And the other two Blues fans who beat you to it.
Thanks for contributing exactly nothing to an already dead, short, and otherwise respectful conversation.
I'd absolutely consider Kyrou. Tried to keep it to one player per team to minimize annoying other fanbases, but that's another good option.
I'd hate to break up the Siberian line, but of those three I think Chinakhov is the more likely to go. I think we'd need to send 2 forwards out, though, to make room. So maybe Johnson and Chinakhov for Kyrou + ???, or even straight-up? Otherwise we're back to square one: too many top-6 forwards, not enough places to play them.
Honestly im not sure kyrou lands that big of a return but I would do kyrou, perunovich, and one of the 2nds this year for johnson and chinakhov
Honestly im not sure kyrou lands that big of a return but I would do kyrou, perunovich, and one of the 2nds this year for johnson and chinakhov
I don't get to watch Blues games often, is Kyrou the kind of player that could break out to be a play-driving, point-per-game impact player? I'd like him as a target, but if he's not worth Johnson and Chinakhov alone, I'd be concerned about giving up on Johnson and Chinakhov for him. If he tops out as a good 2nd-liner that could play on the top line...that's kind of exactly what we already have.
If he tops out as a good 2nd-liner that could play on the top line...that's kind of exactly what we already have.
god you're right on target here. every time i do anything future with this team i just get frustrated at how stupid all the forwards are. they're all *just* good! and there's two more coming! like what's the most likely NHL outcome for dumais? good second liner that could play on the top line. and he's not even here yet! brindley probably second or third liner! why are none of you just elite top liners!!!!!!!
blue liners tho? no notes. not only will werenski probably play at a #1D level for 6 more years, but we also have a clear spot available for mateychuk to slot into and jiricek will be a top pair worthy RHD. so peaceful.
I don't get to watch Blues games often, is Kyrou the kind of player that could break out to be a play-driving, point-per-game impact player? I'd like him as a target, but if he's not worth Johnson and Chinakhov alone, I'd be concerned about giving up on Johnson and Chinakhov for him. If he tops out as a good 2nd-liner that could play on the top line...that's kind of exactly what we already have.
Kyrou already has the skill to be point per game player and has been previously in his career. The issue though is that sometimes he seems to just be invisible and he isnt the most complete player in the world(he has been improving though). If he were to get a change of scenery I think he could very well be a 90-100 point guy but he isn’t doing that on the blues roster right now. I think if the blues threw in a decent pick or prospect it could be close value. I’m curious on how Columbus views Johnson and chinakhov.
Kyrou already has the skill to be point per game player and has been previously in his career. The issue though is that sometimes he seems to just be invisible and he isnt the most complete player in the world(he has been improving though). If he were to get a change of scenery I think he could very well be a 90-100 point guy but he isn’t doing that on the blues roster right now. I think if the blues threw in a decent pick or prospect it could be close value. I’m curious on how Columbus views Johnson and chinakhov.
Johnson I'd view as a Zegras-type, he's highly skilled and could be a 65-85 point player, but to become an elite talent he's going to have to beef up, work on his two-way game, and improve his overall handling/decision making. That's all stuff that could improve over time with the right coaching, he's already really skilled but has a way to go and needs to develop a role.
Chinakhov I love, he's really fast, defensively responsible, and has an incredible shot. 95th percentile for speed in the NHL, 85th percentile for shooting percentage, 97th percentile for shots over 80 mph according to NHL Edge. If he got into the high danger areas more often and saw more offensive zone time, he could be another 60+ point guy. But again, he probably tops out as a 2nd-liner but has a more defined role (and hasn't been deployed properly in Columbus yet).
In short: they're both young NHLers now with tons of upside, but it's unclear whether they'll get to that elite play caliber. There's probably something there for them being the package in a Kyrou trade if St. Louis wanted to restock the cupboards and improve their middle six long-term, with some serious top-6 upside.
god you're right on target here. every time i do anything future with this team i just get frustrated at how stupid all the forwards are. they're all *just* good! and there's two more coming! like what's the most likely NHL outcome for dumais? good second liner that could play on the top line. and he's not even here yet! brindley probably second or third liner! why are none of you just elite top liners!!!!!!!
blue liners tho? no notes. not only will werenski probably play at a #1D level for 6 more years, but we also have a clear spot available for mateychuk to slot into and jiricek will be a top pair worthy RHD. so peaceful.
While I do agree as it stands now, we should also remember that, for instance, Kent Johnson at 25 will not be the same player that he is now at 21. He still has the potential to be a top-line winger in the NHL, but it's far from guaranteed. That's his potential, not the prognosis.
For a situation like the one described in this post to occur, things would basically have to turn sour between a superstar player and their team. If that happens, the new Columbus GM does have the means to pounce on that, but he has to be decisive and well-balanced. I agree in general that probably Keller is the most likely of the candidates given here if Arizona don't get their arena situation sorted out. Otherwise, it would have to be a team getting into a retool/rebuild situation and a young superstar not feeling up for that.
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