St. Louis Blues Considering a Trade for Brayden Schenn
The St. Louis Blues, a storied organization in the National Hockey League (NHL), have been making waves by reportedly gauging the market for their captain, Brayden Schenn. This news, first shared by TSN’s Darren Dreger, has sent ripples through the hockey community, especially considering Schenn’s pivotal role on the team and his full no-move clause. Schenn, a 33-year-old winger, has been the backbone of the Blues, leading by example both on and off the ice. His experience and leadership are invaluable, particularly after his pivotal role in the team’s 2019 Stanley Cup victory. The Blues’ decision to explore trade options for such a cornerstone player suggests a significant shift in the team’s strategy. However, the move seems far from certain, as sources indicate that the Blues would expect a substantial return for Schenn, making it a longshot at best.
The Value of Brayden Schenn
Brayden Schenn’s value in the NHL market is undeniable. He carries a very reasonable $6.5 million salary cap hit for the next three seasons, which makes him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their roster without breaking the bank. Additionally, his no-move clause will transition to a 15-team no-trade list starting next year, giving Schenn some control over his potential destinations but also making him more tradeable. Schenn’s versatility as a centre or winger, coupled with his extensive experience, makes him a sought-after player for contending teams. His Stanley Cup win with the Blues in 2019 is a testament to his ability to perform at the highest level, and many teams would covet such a seasoned and reliable forward.
The Blues’ Expectations for a Trade
Blues GM Doug Armstrong is known for his meticulous approach to team building and is unlikely to part with Schenn without a substantial return. According to Lou Korac of The Hockey News, Armstrong is expected to be disinterested in retaining any salary and will be looking for a young, high-end forward who can immediately step into an NHL lineup, along with a high draft pick. The range for this draft pick could vary from the first to the third round, depending on the quality of the forward being offered. This high expectation means that only the most serious contenders are likely to meet the Blues’ demands, making the trade scenario even more challenging.
St. Louis Blues’ Current Situation
The Blues are currently struggling, with a record of 25-26-5 heading into the Four Nations break. Their odds of making the playoffs are slim, sitting at +1400. This underwhelming performance could be a catalyst for the team to reassess its future and potentially sell off one of its older assets to build a more sustainable and competitive roster. If the Blues do decide to trade Schenn, it could impact their regular season point total, which is currently set at an over/under of 81.5. With a middle-of-the-pack strength of schedule, the Blues might find it advantageous to focus on a long-term rebuild rather than chasing a playoff spot.
Potential Suitors for Brayden Schenn
Several teams are likely to express interest in acquiring Brayden Schenn, given his market value. The list of potential suitors includes the New Jersey Devils, Vegas Golden Knights, Detroit Red Wings, and Toronto Maple Leafs, with the latter already reportedly reaching out to St. Louis. Among these, the Golden Knights seem the most serious contenders. They are known for their aggressive pursuit of talent and have a strong history of significant trades around the deadline. GM Kelly McCrimmon, who has a personal connection with Schenn from his time coaching him in the Western Hockey League, could leverage this relationship to make a compelling offer. The Golden Knights are currently listed at +1200 to win the Stanley Cup and +550 to win the Western Conference. Adding Schenn to their roster could significantly boost their chances, potentially making them the favourites in the West.
The Golden Knights’ Motivation and Strategy
The Vegas Golden Knights have consistently demonstrated their willingness to make bold moves to enhance their playoff prospects. They recently signed free agent Brandon Saad, and Schenn’s addition would further solidify their lineup. The Golden Knights are no strangers to high-stakes trades, having previously brought in players like Tomas Hertl, Ivan Barbashev, Noah Hanifan, and Jack Eichel. Their current odds suggest they are already strong contenders, but Schenn’s experience and leadership could push them over the edge. For bettors, the Golden Knights’ potential to add Schenn makes them an appealing choice, especially given their history of aggressive roster management. It would be wise to consider taking action on Vegas, as they are known for doing whatever it takes to win, and Schenn could be just the piece they need to achieve their goals.
