Three More Huge Names Join Brayden Schenn on Blues’ Rumor Mill
The Blues find themselves eight points out of a playoff spot and needless to say, GM Doug Armstrong "is not a happy camper." Sportsnet insider Nick Kypreos says Army could also shock us by making the following three players available as well as he looks to change things up (dramatically, we would add).
Pavel Buchnevich
Wait, didn't the star forward just sign a six-year extension at an $8 million cap hit that doesn't even kick in until next season? That could actually be the thing that makes the five-time 20-goal scorer a very attractive commodity for non-competitive teams with plenty of cap room. And if Armstrong is ever going to pull the trigger on a Buchnevich trade, now's the time to do it, as he has only a 12-team no-trade clause. That becomes a full no-trade clause once his new contract takes effect on July 1.
Jordan Kyrou
The talented young forward is only in Year 2 of an eight-year deal at $8.125M. He has no trade protection whatsoever at the moment, then a full no-trade clause kicks in on July 1. So again, as head-scratching as it might be, if Armstrong wants to unload another $8M+ from his cap structure, he would have to strike before the summer on Kyrou. Kypreos says the Blues are taking calls on the 26-year-old. The dynamic scorer is on pace for his third straight 30+ goal season, with 23 thus far through 55 games.
Justin Faulk
Kypreos says the Blues blueline is "another area of potential upheaval". Top-four D-man Faulk has two more years left on his deal at a $6.5M cap hit. He does, however, have a full no-trade clause. But the insider figures he might be able to be convinced to waive it for a move to a Stanley Cup contender, as the soon-to-be 33-year-old has had precious few chances at making a playoff run.
Photo: © Joe Puetz-Imagn Images
