Golden Knights Rumors: Proposed Trade Sends Pavel Buchnevich to Vegas

While Jake Guentzel is undoubtedly the top offensive player on the trade market, the St. Louis Blues' Pavel Buchnevich is unquestionably No. 2. He's the only other point-per-game player available for teams looking for a huge top-six boost, currently with 24 goals and 48 points this season.

Will the Blues, who still have a shot at the playoffs, deal him before Friday's deadline? He still has one year left on his contract with a $5.8 million cap hit, so his trade return would be significant, given he's not a rental. And for any of the top teams that fall short on securing Guentzel from the Pittsburgh Penguins, Buchnevich is much more than a Plan B.

With that said, we have a look at an NHL Network proposed trade that would send Buchnevich to the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Vegas Golden Knights.

Vegas Golden Knights Receive:

Pavel Buchnevich, F

St. Louis Blues Receive:

David Edstrom, D
2024 1st Round Pick
2025 2nd Round Pick

This would be a massive haul for the Blues, as they'd essentially be getting two first-rounders, as Edstrom was the top selection of the Golden Knights in 2023.

"I think this is something that (Blues GM) Doug Armstrong would jump at, if they drop out of the race a little bit further," said insider David Pagnotta in analyzing this potential offer. St. Louis is currently seven points back of the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference, and they're headed in the wrong direction, currently on a three-game losing streak going into Saturday's play.

From the Vegas perspective, they can make it work, as they will have cap relief provided when captain Mark Stone goes on the LTIR, along with his $9.5MM cap hit. It gives them another serious scoring threat, and as a team looking to defend their Cup championship, you just know they are going to go for it, and likely won't worry about the high cost of this trade. As the NHL Network's Mike Rupp put it:

"(Vegas) is an aggressive team. They're going to do something and they're gonna do something big and deal with the consequences later."

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