Brayden Schenn: St. Louis Blues Captain on the Trade Block
St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn has emerged as a prime trade candidate in recent weeks, as rumors circulate that General Manager Doug Armstrong might be looking to shake up the roster. Schenn, a 33-year-old center, is under contract until 2027-28 with an annual cap hit of $6.5 million and a full no-trade clause for this season. Early reports linked Schenn to the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are in need of depth at center. However, the Maple Leafs aren’t the only club showing interest. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman suggested that the Vegas Golden Knights might also be eyeing the Blues’ star.
The Blues’ Resurgence and Schenn’s Future
Despite the trade speculation, the St. Louis Blues have been on a strong run recently, sitting just one point out of the final Western Conference wild-card berth. This resurgence has led TSN’s Darren Dreger to speculate that it’s unlikely the Blues will move Schenn by the March 7 NHL trade deadline. For now, Schenn remains a key figure in the Blues’ lineup, and his future in St. Louis is still very much in play. The Blues’ improved standings suggest that Armstrong might be more inclined to keep his core intact for a potential playoff push.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Balancing Ambition and Pragmatism
Over in Toronto, Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving has been cautious about the team’s approach to the trade deadline. Treliving emphasized that the Maple Leafs will focus on where they can best help the team, rather than making headline-grabbing deals that might not pay off. With just over $2.2 million in cap space, the Leafs are likely to be selective in their moves. Treliving’s comments reflect a pragmatic approach, acknowledging the mixed results of high-profile trade deadline deals in the past. The Maple Leafs are looking to make smart, strategic moves that will enhance their roster without overextending themselves.
Philadelphia Flyers: Patience with Laughton and Ristolainen
The Philadelphia Flyers have been another team in the trade rumor mill, with center Scott Laughton and defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen frequently mentioned as potential trade candidates. Despite the speculation, Kevin Kurz of The Athletic believes that both players could remain with the Flyers after the deadline. The Flyers are not in a rush to part with players they consider integral to their roster. Laughton’s asking price of a first-round pick might be too steep for most suitors, while Ristolainen has not generated much interest in the trade market.
Rakell and Karlsson: Potential Assets for the Penguins
Turning to the Pittsburgh Penguins, recent rumors have centered around forward Rickard Rakell and defenseman Erik Karlsson. Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette views Rakell as the Penguins’ most valuable trade chip. The 31-year-old right winger is signed through 2027-28 with an average annual value of $5 million. Rakell leads the Penguins with 28 goals and is second in points with 52. Vensel believes Rakell’s trade value is at its peak, and the Penguins are open to offers. They could move him if they receive a pitch that exceeds the return from their trade with Vancouver for Marcus Pettersson.
Defensemen in Demand: The Trade Deadline Landscape
The NHL trade deadline on March 7 is fast approaching, and experienced defensemen could be valuable trade chips. As teams look to bolster their blue lines, several defensemen are expected to be on the move. While the Penguins’ Erik Karlsson has not been approached about waiving his no-movement clause, he remains a potential asset for the right price. The trade deadline will be a crucial period for GMs to make strategic moves, with a focus on strengthening their teams for the remainder of the season and beyond.
