2 Star Forwards Linked To St. Louis Blues

The St. Louis Blues arguably played some of their best hockey last season after the trade deadline and after they moved a number of their key upcoming UFAs. Some players who weren't given a chance this season were once space opened up and we saw the best from players like Sami Blais, Kasperi Kapanen, and Jakub Vrana. And while I expect all of them to remain on the team and in middle of the lineup roles, the Blues need more star power if they want to get back to competing.

With Vladimir Tarasenko and Ryan O'Reilly gone, a shift began, but Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas aren't enough. Two elite scorers have been linked to St. Louis, Kyle Connor and Patrik Laine. While I think it is ridiculous that it would be suggested Laine be traded at this time, Connor is a very real possibility.

The last thing the Columbus Blue Jackets need is to trade one of their best scorers who signed there and set them back even further from competing. As for the Jets, it looks like many of their stars will be moved this offseason as they break things down. Connor has three years left, the second-longest contract on the team, but if players like Pierre-Luc Dubois, Mark Scheifele, Blake Wheeler, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Connor Hellebuyck are all expected to be moved, I don't see Connor wanting to stick around after the end of his contract.

Since the Jets are looking for young and controllable assets, the Blues have many pieces like that they might not mind moving so they can get immediate help. Someone like Jake Neighbours comes to mind as a good starting point. Both Connor and Neighbours play the same position and it would fit the needs of both teams. Keep an eye on the Blues to make an impactful add up front.

Photo credit: © Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports