Your legit top pairing Dman has been a so so 2nd pairing Dman since joining Ottawa. And he's a UFA. Hard pass.

Stephenson would be nice, but he's not signing that. I'm not mad at Blueger, but again why would he sign that?

I can promise even the best LDs in the league would look way worse paired with Hamonic or Bernard Docker. Not saying he's been spectacular but he has also been forced to play with AHLers as his pairing.

he has also been forced to play RD for some time this season.

Chych has for more value than Bennington STL would need to add

It's a fair point to an extent, but he's played about as much with Chabot/Zub/Sanderson. Besides, 63 D zone giveaways in one season ain't down to his partner. He's been as rough on his partners as they've been on him.

See Mokumbois post above this one. Why would that player have more value than a Vezina caliber goaltender who was top five in GSAx and was the only reason the blues were even close to a playoff spot? Just because he gets mad and has gotten a lot of media attention from it doesnt take away from him being one of the better goalies in the NHL.

Binnington is exceptional. Look at the analytics or simply go with the eye test, he's a stud. I agree, the Blues are desperate for a legit #1 LHD, but Chychrun has yet to demonstrate that he's that guy. Also, I don't think Binner waives his NTC to go to a team that may not make the playoffs.