Trading for D is the play

[TheJackBurton]

The Blues have an open cup window right now because of Binnington alone - he's a big game goalie. If Armstrong/Steen don't deal some of the prospects from the stack that he acquired (for defense and a top center) then he risks the window closing when Binnington finally ages out of the starter role. Right now they're all years away from making the roster if they keep progressing - time to make a deal for immediate help.

I think you're going to see less deals available over the next couple of years, unless someone does something stupid. Teams shouldn't have to worry about resigning guys because of the cap going up 7+ million a year in each of the next three years. Unless I'm missing something, I don't see a Rantanen type situation over the next three years. I hope I missed something though.

No that's not necessarily true. With an escalating cap also means escalating salaries. What you signed a player at with an 88 million dollar cap is now likely going to cost you an additional million or two.

Take Florida for instance. They will have 19 million available but only 16 signed and have two big names as UFA's in Ekblad and Bennett.

If they sign both Bennett and Ekblad to market value contracts of 8 and 8 respectfully, that leaves them 3 million with 5 positions to fill.

Odds are they won't sign one of them, or if they do sign both, they'll have to make a deal with another mid-to high salary player.

All the escalating cap does is allow a team to keep a high priced player that maybe 2 seasons ago they weren't expecting.

[TAFKAP]

The Blues have an open cup window right now because of Binnington alone - he's a big game goalie. If Armstrong/Steen don't deal some of the prospects from the stack that he acquired (for defense and a top center) then he risks the window closing when Binnington finally ages out of the starter role. Right now they're all years away from making the roster if they keep progressing - time to make a deal for immediate help.

I think you're going to see less deals available over the next couple of years, unless someone does something stupid. Teams shouldn't have to worry about resigning guys because of the cap going up 7+ million a year in each of the next three years. Unless I'm missing something, I don't see a Rantanen type situation over the next three years. I hope I missed something though.

No that's not necessarily true. With an escalating cap also means escalating salaries. What you signed a player at with an 88 million dollar cap is now likely going to cost you an additional million or two.

Take Florida for instance. They will have 19 million available but only 16 signed and have two big names as UFA's in Ekblad and Bennett.

If they sign both Bennett and Ekblad to market value contracts of 8 and 8 respectfully, that leaves them 3 million with 5 positions to fill.

Odds are they won't sign one of them, or if they do sign both, they'll have to make a deal with another mid-to high salary player.

All the escalating cap does is allow a team to keep a high priced player that maybe 2 seasons ago they weren't expecting.

I see your point, but, in your scenario Florida is only against the cap for one year. Why let a guy you really want to keep (unless you don't really) walk when you can play cap gymnastics for a season and then next year you have 8 million in cap space. I guess I've seen what GM's have been able to do when signing a guy breaks your cap for years, that's how we got Faksa, this offseason, we'll see what happens when it only screws you for one season.

[Harry S Deals]

Boston isn’t trading McAvoy.

Also, Army said in his presser that he likes his top-4 D and his main target this summer is a forward.

Yes, but maybe he does not want to show his cards.

I dont see why the Blues would trade assets for a D right now. As Army said the Top 4 is good, really good at times and Tucker has shown he can play well so anchoring a #6 spot whether its Leddy, Suter, Kessel is not a big deal at all.
Another Center is the most pressing need obviously they cant bring back Sunny as the 3rd center and its not likely Dvorsky at least in October so my guess is Army either trades prospects for a young ish RFA type or signs a more temporary veteran who checks some boxes

[skilles]

Boston isn’t trading McAvoy.

Also, Army said in his presser that he likes his top-4 D and his main target this summer is a forward.

Yes, but maybe he does not want to show his cards.

I dont see why the Blues would trade assets for a D right now. As Army said the Top 4 is good, really good at times and Tucker has shown he can play well so anchoring a #6 spot whether its Leddy, Suter, Kessel is not a big deal at all.
Another Center is the most pressing need obviously they cant bring back Sunny as the 3rd center and its not likely Dvorsky at least in October so my guess is Army either trades prospects for a young ish RFA type or signs a more temporary veteran who checks some boxes

Because we only have two NHL d men on the right side and both are aging and thinking ahead is how you win.

[moose-and-squirrel]

Boston isn’t trading McAvoy.

Also, Army said in his presser that he likes his top-4 D and his main target this summer is a forward.

Yes, but maybe he does not want to show his cards.

I dont see why the Blues would trade assets for a D right now. As Army said the Top 4 is good, really good at times and Tucker has shown he can play well so anchoring a #6 spot whether its Leddy, Suter, Kessel is not a big deal at all.
Another Center is the most pressing need obviously they cant bring back Sunny as the 3rd center and its not likely Dvorsky at least in October so my guess is Army either trades prospects for a young ish RFA type or signs a more temporary veteran who checks some boxes

Because we only have two NHL d men on the right side and both are aging and thinking ahead is how you win.

isn't that what the draft picks the last coupla years was doing?

[rbirules]

Boston isn’t trading McAvoy.

Also, Army said in his presser that he likes his top-4 D and his main target this summer is a forward.

Yes, but maybe he does not want to show his cards.

I dont see why the Blues would trade assets for a D right now. As Army said the Top 4 is good, really good at times and Tucker has shown he can play well so anchoring a #6 spot whether its Leddy, Suter, Kessel is not a big deal at all.
Another Center is the most pressing need obviously they cant bring back Sunny as the 3rd center and its not likely Dvorsky at least in October so my guess is Army either trades prospects for a young ish RFA type or signs a more temporary veteran who checks some boxes

Because we only have two NHL d men on the right side and both are aging and thinking ahead is how you win.

Exactly. Our two biggest holes are #2C and RHD. We need a third RHD, ideally one that is an upgrade on Faulk. In the not to distant future we need to replace Faulk, and at that time Parayko will be getting closer to his mid-30s. We have one "top prospect" who is a RHD but he was drafted a year ago and is no sure thing.

If you can upgrade your roster, even if it's not the most pressing need, you need to consider it, especially when our medium to long term solution at center is much closer to being ready than anything we have at RHD.

I'd love to fix both holes, it doesn't have to be an either or decision.

[Harry S Deals]

Boston isn’t trading McAvoy.

Also, Army said in his presser that he likes his top-4 D and his main target this summer is a forward.

Yes, but maybe he does not want to show his cards.

I dont see why the Blues would trade assets for a D right now. As Army said the Top 4 is good, really good at times and Tucker has shown he can play well so anchoring a #6 spot whether its Leddy, Suter, Kessel is not a big deal at all.
Another Center is the most pressing need obviously they cant bring back Sunny as the 3rd center and its not likely Dvorsky at least in October so my guess is Army either trades prospects for a young ish RFA type or signs a more temporary veteran who checks some boxes

Because we only have two NHL d men on the right side and both are aging and thinking ahead is how you win.

Exactly. Our two biggest holes are #2C and RHD. We need a third RHD, ideally one that is an upgrade on Faulk. In the not to distant future we need to replace Faulk, and at that time Parayko will be getting closer to his mid-30s. We have one "top prospect" who is a RHD but he was drafted a year ago and is no sure thing.

If you can upgrade your roster, even if it's not the most pressing need, you need to consider it, especially when our medium to long term solution at center is much closer to being ready than anything we have at RHD.

I'd love to fix both holes, it doesn't have to be an either or decision.

Faulk is signed thru '27-'28 sure we'd like a better RHD but Faulk would have to be traded in this scenario which would require waiving his clause so its a long shot in my view. The center position is a lot easier and has a higher up side now. In two or three years a prospect candidate may emerge at RHD as well

[seattleblue]

Boston isn’t trading McAvoy.

Also, Army said in his presser that he likes his top-4 D and his main target this summer is a forward.

Yes, but maybe he does not want to show his cards.

I dont see why the Blues would trade assets for a D right now. As Army said the Top 4 is good, really good at times and Tucker has shown he can play well so anchoring a #6 spot whether its Leddy, Suter, Kessel is not a big deal at all.
Another Center is the most pressing need obviously they cant bring back Sunny as the 3rd center and its not likely Dvorsky at least in October so my guess is Army either trades prospects for a young ish RFA type or signs a more temporary veteran who checks some boxes

Because we only have two NHL d men on the right side and both are aging and thinking ahead is how you win.

isn't that what the draft picks the last coupla years was doing?

Left D is stocked but Right D isn't

On Left D you have Fowler in his current form for a little longer, with Lindstein right behind.
Then you have Broberg with a vet backup in Leddy there now, Tucker is a natural lefty but has been playing right.
Behind them you have Fischer, Burns and Ralph

But on Right D you have Parayko around his 750 game mark so that's good for a few more seasons
But Faulk is getting to the end, and even in his current form he is an adequate player some strengths some weaknesses doesn't always give you the same performance
Behind them you have Jiricek and McIsaac (a 5th rounder who is a longer play). Jiricek is not something I would count on at this point.

That's what skilles is getting at. The left is in good shape but the right needs to be set up for success going forward.

[STL fan in MN]

Boston isn’t trading McAvoy.

Also, Army said in his presser that he likes his top-4 D and his main target this summer is a forward.

Yes, but maybe he does not want to show his cards.

I dont see why the Blues would trade assets for a D right now. As Army said the Top 4 is good, really good at times and Tucker has shown he can play well so anchoring a #6 spot whether its Leddy, Suter, Kessel is not a big deal at all.
Another Center is the most pressing need obviously they cant bring back Sunny as the 3rd center and its not likely Dvorsky at least in October so my guess is Army either trades prospects for a young ish RFA type or signs a more temporary veteran who checks some boxes

Because we only have two NHL d men on the right side and both are aging and thinking ahead is how you win.

isn't that what the draft picks the last coupla years was doing?

Left D is stocked but Right D isn't

On Left D you have Fowler in his current form for a little longer, with Lindstein right behind.
Then you have Broberg with a vet backup in Leddy there now, Tucker is a natural lefty but has been playing right.
Behind them you have Fischer, Burns and Ralph

But on Right D you have Parayko around his 750 game mark so that's good for a few more seasons
But Faulk is getting to the end, and even in his current form he is an adequate player some strengths some weaknesses doesn't always give you the same performance
Behind them you have Jiricek and McIsaac (a 5th rounder who is a longer play). Jiricek is not something I would count on at this point.

That's what skilles is getting at. The left is in good shape but the right needs to be set up for success going forward.

Yep. Agree with you and skilles. 2C is the bigger short-term need but RD is the bigger longterm need…and while there’s no guarantees, it is absolutely possible to address both issues this off-season. We have no idea what all players and what all trade scenarios will be available to Army but it should be possible.

[callitwhatyouwant]

The only reason I think trading for D is a mistake is because we will be better equipped to make a maningful signing or trade where we take on salary in 2 years. Blues need to stand pat on D this year. And when they have more flexibility including inserting a young guy like Lindstein into the lineup, they can make a big splash.

In 2 years you could have
Extend fowler
Broberg
Lindstein

Parayko
xxx
Faulk

That final spot can be a big signing/trade if you want it to be. Then you can bring Jiricek up if he projects to his ability. Rushing things seems like a mistake.

[seattleblue]

Boston isn’t trading McAvoy.

Also, Army said in his presser that he likes his top-4 D and his main target this summer is a forward.

Yes, but maybe he does not want to show his cards.

I dont see why the Blues would trade assets for a D right now. As Army said the Top 4 is good, really good at times and Tucker has shown he can play well so anchoring a #6 spot whether its Leddy, Suter, Kessel is not a big deal at all.
Another Center is the most pressing need obviously they cant bring back Sunny as the 3rd center and its not likely Dvorsky at least in October so my guess is Army either trades prospects for a young ish RFA type or signs a more temporary veteran who checks some boxes

Because we only have two NHL d men on the right side and both are aging and thinking ahead is how you win.

isn't that what the draft picks the last coupla years was doing?

Left D is stocked but Right D isn't

On Left D you have Fowler in his current form for a little longer, with Lindstein right behind.
Then you have Broberg with a vet backup in Leddy there now, Tucker is a natural lefty but has been playing right.
Behind them you have Fischer, Burns and Ralph

But on Right D you have Parayko around his 750 game mark so that's good for a few more seasons
But Faulk is getting to the end, and even in his current form he is an adequate player some strengths some weaknesses doesn't always give you the same performance
Behind them you have Jiricek and McIsaac (a 5th rounder who is a longer play). Jiricek is not something I would count on at this point.

That's what skilles is getting at. The left is in good shape but the right needs to be set up for success going forward.

Yep. Agree with you and skilles. 2C is the bigger short-term need but RD is the bigger longterm need…and while there’s no guarantees, it is absolutely possible to address both issues this off-season. We have no idea what all players and what all trade scenarios will be available to Army but it should be possible.

Strongest to weakest IMO
LW (loaded)
RW (very strong)
LD (was the weakest 12 months ago but Fowler Broberg Fischer Ralph changed all that)
G (could use another late round draft pick this year IMO but pretty well paced out within the org)
C (Thomas & Dvorsky has a LOT of potential as a power 1-2 center duo but need time)
RD (take Parayko away and it's real ugly real fast)

[STL fan in MN]

Boston isn’t trading McAvoy.

Also, Army said in his presser that he likes his top-4 D and his main target this summer is a forward.

Yes, but maybe he does not want to show his cards.

I dont see why the Blues would trade assets for a D right now. As Army said the Top 4 is good, really good at times and Tucker has shown he can play well so anchoring a #6 spot whether its Leddy, Suter, Kessel is not a big deal at all.
Another Center is the most pressing need obviously they cant bring back Sunny as the 3rd center and its not likely Dvorsky at least in October so my guess is Army either trades prospects for a young ish RFA type or signs a more temporary veteran who checks some boxes

Because we only have two NHL d men on the right side and both are aging and thinking ahead is how you win.

isn't that what the draft picks the last coupla years was doing?

Left D is stocked but Right D isn't

On Left D you have Fowler in his current form for a little longer, with Lindstein right behind.
Then you have Broberg with a vet backup in Leddy there now, Tucker is a natural lefty but has been playing right.
Behind them you have Fischer, Burns and Ralph

But on Right D you have Parayko around his 750 game mark so that's good for a few more seasons
But Faulk is getting to the end, and even in his current form he is an adequate player some strengths some weaknesses doesn't always give you the same performance
Behind them you have Jiricek and McIsaac (a 5th rounder who is a longer play). Jiricek is not something I would count on at this point.

That's what skilles is getting at. The left is in good shape but the right needs to be set up for success going forward.

Yep. Agree with you and skilles. 2C is the bigger short-term need but RD is the bigger longterm need…and while there’s no guarantees, it is absolutely possible to address both issues this off-season. We have no idea what all players and what all trade scenarios will be available to Army but it should be possible.

Strongest to weakest IMO
LW (loaded)
RW (very strong)
LD (was the weakest 12 months ago but Fowler Broberg Fischer Ralph changed all that)
G (could use another late round draft pick this year IMO but pretty well paced out within the org)
C (Thomas & Dvorsky has a LOT of potential as a power 1-2 center duo but need time)
RD (take Parayko away and it's real ugly real fast)

I’d agree with this for the most part. LW is just an abundant of riches and where we most likely need to trade from to supplement some of the other areas.

Snuggerud certainly changes the outlook of RW…but we could absolutely use another one. We are very short on right-shooting players.

LD - we are loaded in players but I’m still not convinced the quality is there. Fowler completely changed the landscape but I don’t see him being that level of Fowler for much longer. Lindstein, Fischer, Ralph etc are all still very young.

Goalie looks good. About as good as it can at least as there so much uncertainty with that position. Question is how long will Binner maintain his top peak. Can Hofer be a starter? You just don’t know until he is one? If he can be a starter, does he have the mentality to be nails in the playoffs? Again, you just don’t know until you know. Same questions with Ellis but a couple years farther down the line.

There’s an immediate need at C but yeah, Dvorsky looks like a likely stud in a year or two. Could definitely use some more in the pipeline. Main needle to thread here is adding a C to the current group that doesn’t completely block Dvorsky in a couple years.

RD is “fine” today with Parayko and Faulk but we need a 3RD IMO. One better than Kessel or wherever lefty we’d throw over there today. But in the future, it looks pretty bleak. The wheels are coming off Faulk and that’s bound to happen to Parayko eventually too. Age catches up to us all eventually. Jiricek is a huge maybe and McIsaac is likely a #6-7 guy if he ever makes it at all and that’d be years from now.

[callitwhatyouwant]

Boston isn’t trading McAvoy.

Also, Army said in his presser that he likes his top-4 D and his main target this summer is a forward.

Yes, but maybe he does not want to show his cards.

I dont see why the Blues would trade assets for a D right now. As Army said the Top 4 is good, really good at times and Tucker has shown he can play well so anchoring a #6 spot whether its Leddy, Suter, Kessel is not a big deal at all.
Another Center is the most pressing need obviously they cant bring back Sunny as the 3rd center and its not likely Dvorsky at least in October so my guess is Army either trades prospects for a young ish RFA type or signs a more temporary veteran who checks some boxes

Because we only have two NHL d men on the right side and both are aging and thinking ahead is how you win.

isn't that what the draft picks the last coupla years was doing?

Left D is stocked but Right D isn't

On Left D you have Fowler in his current form for a little longer, with Lindstein right behind.
Then you have Broberg with a vet backup in Leddy there now, Tucker is a natural lefty but has been playing right.
Behind them you have Fischer, Burns and Ralph

But on Right D you have Parayko around his 750 game mark so that's good for a few more seasons
But Faulk is getting to the end, and even in his current form he is an adequate player some strengths some weaknesses doesn't always give you the same performance
Behind them you have Jiricek and McIsaac (a 5th rounder who is a longer play). Jiricek is not something I would count on at this point.

That's what skilles is getting at. The left is in good shape but the right needs to be set up for success going forward.

Yep. Agree with you and skilles. 2C is the bigger short-term need but RD is the bigger longterm need…and while there’s no guarantees, it is absolutely possible to address both issues this off-season. We have no idea what all players and what all trade scenarios will be available to Army but it should be possible.

Strongest to weakest IMO
LW (loaded)
RW (very strong)
LD (was the weakest 12 months ago but Fowler Broberg Fischer Ralph changed all that)
G (could use another late round draft pick this year IMO but pretty well paced out within the org)
C (Thomas & Dvorsky has a LOT of potential as a power 1-2 center duo but need time)
RD (take Parayko away and it's real ugly real fast)

I’d agree with this for the most part. LW is just an abundant of riches and where we most likely need to trade from to supplement some of the other areas.

Snuggerud certainly changes the outlook of RW…but we could absolutely use another one. We are very short on right-shooting players.

LD - we are loaded in players but I’m still not convinced the quality is there. Fowler completely changed the landscape but I don’t see him being that level of Fowler for much longer. Lindstein, Fischer, Ralph etc are all still very young.

Goalie looks good. About as good as it can at least as there so much uncertainty with that position. Question is how long will Binner maintain his top peak. Can Hofer be a starter? You just don’t know until he is one? If he can be a starter, does he have the mentality to be nails in the playoffs? Again, you just don’t know until you know. Same questions with Ellis but a couple years farther down the line.

There’s an immediate need at C but yeah, Dvorsky looks like a likely stud in a year or two. Could definitely use some more in the pipeline. Main needle to thread here is adding a C to the current group that doesn’t completely block Dvorsky in a couple years.

RD is “fine” today with Parayko and Faulk but we need a 3RD IMO. One better than Kessel or wherever lefty we’d throw over there today. But in the future, it looks pretty bleak. The wheels are coming off Faulk and that’s bound to happen to Parayko eventually too. Age catches up to us all eventually. Jiricek is a huge maybe and McIsaac is likely a #6-7 guy if he ever makes it at all and that’d be years from now.

The thing with C is we need it now. There is a massive hole there, and by Steeners interview, I doubt we are moving on from Sunny, and I have a feeling he will be on the 4th line. Dvorsky and by all accounts Stenberg appear to be the 2-3 or 2-4 centers of the future. I know you guys keep up with the prospect stuff more than I do, but Stenberg and Lindstein got glowing praise when they were practicing with the boys last year. The real bummer is Dean. From what I understand last year when he got his call up, people said he could be the 4C right now. The Blues aren't going to turn all of that over to those 3 in the next 2 years, but You could see a world where in 2 years, you have Dvorsky 2C, Schenn 3C, Stenberg on a wing, and Dean 4C.

[dhsux]

Boston isn’t trading McAvoy.

Also, Army said in his presser that he likes his top-4 D and his main target this summer is a forward.

Yes, but maybe he does not want to show his cards.

I dont see why the Blues would trade assets for a D right now. As Army said the Top 4 is good, really good at times and Tucker has shown he can play well so anchoring a #6 spot whether its Leddy, Suter, Kessel is not a big deal at all.
Another Center is the most pressing need obviously they cant bring back Sunny as the 3rd center and its not likely Dvorsky at least in October so my guess is Army either trades prospects for a young ish RFA type or signs a more temporary veteran who checks some boxes

Because we only have two NHL d men on the right side and both are aging and thinking ahead is how you win.

isn't that what the draft picks the last coupla years was doing?

Left D is stocked but Right D isn't

On Left D you have Fowler in his current form for a little longer, with Lindstein right behind.
Then you have Broberg with a vet backup in Leddy there now, Tucker is a natural lefty but has been playing right.
Behind them you have Fischer, Burns and Ralph

But on Right D you have Parayko around his 750 game mark so that's good for a few more seasons
But Faulk is getting to the end, and even in his current form he is an adequate player some strengths some weaknesses doesn't always give you the same performance
Behind them you have Jiricek and McIsaac (a 5th rounder who is a longer play). Jiricek is not something I would count on at this point.

That's what skilles is getting at. The left is in good shape but the right needs to be set up for success going forward.

Yep. Agree with you and skilles. 2C is the bigger short-term need but RD is the bigger longterm need…and while there’s no guarantees, it is absolutely possible to address both issues this off-season. We have no idea what all players and what all trade scenarios will be available to Army but it should be possible.

In spite of DA's comments about the blue line I think he knows this, right?

I believe eyes wide open is what he will do this summer on both fronts.

[STL fan in MN]

Boston isn’t trading McAvoy.

Also, Army said in his presser that he likes his top-4 D and his main target this summer is a forward.

Yes, but maybe he does not want to show his cards.

I dont see why the Blues would trade assets for a D right now. As Army said the Top 4 is good, really good at times and Tucker has shown he can play well so anchoring a #6 spot whether its Leddy, Suter, Kessel is not a big deal at all.
Another Center is the most pressing need obviously they cant bring back Sunny as the 3rd center and its not likely Dvorsky at least in October so my guess is Army either trades prospects for a young ish RFA type or signs a more temporary veteran who checks some boxes

Because we only have two NHL d men on the right side and both are aging and thinking ahead is how you win.

isn't that what the draft picks the last coupla years was doing?

Left D is stocked but Right D isn't

On Left D you have Fowler in his current form for a little longer, with Lindstein right behind.
Then you have Broberg with a vet backup in Leddy there now, Tucker is a natural lefty but has been playing right.
Behind them you have Fischer, Burns and Ralph

But on Right D you have Parayko around his 750 game mark so that's good for a few more seasons
But Faulk is getting to the end, and even in his current form he is an adequate player some strengths some weaknesses doesn't always give you the same performance
Behind them you have Jiricek and McIsaac (a 5th rounder who is a longer play). Jiricek is not something I would count on at this point.

That's what skilles is getting at. The left is in good shape but the right needs to be set up for success going forward.

Yep. Agree with you and skilles. 2C is the bigger short-term need but RD is the bigger longterm need…and while there’s no guarantees, it is absolutely possible to address both issues this off-season. We have no idea what all players and what all trade scenarios will be available to Army but it should be possible.

Strongest to weakest IMO
LW (loaded)
RW (very strong)
LD (was the weakest 12 months ago but Fowler Broberg Fischer Ralph changed all that)
G (could use another late round draft pick this year IMO but pretty well paced out within the org)
C (Thomas & Dvorsky has a LOT of potential as a power 1-2 center duo but need time)
RD (take Parayko away and it's real ugly real fast)

I’d agree with this for the most part. LW is just an abundant of riches and where we most likely need to trade from to supplement some of the other areas.

Snuggerud certainly changes the outlook of RW…but we could absolutely use another one. We are very short on right-shooting players.

LD - we are loaded in players but I’m still not convinced the quality is there. Fowler completely changed the landscape but I don’t see him being that level of Fowler for much longer. Lindstein, Fischer, Ralph etc are all still very young.

Goalie looks good. About as good as it can at least as there so much uncertainty with that position. Question is how long will Binner maintain his top peak. Can Hofer be a starter? You just don’t know until he is one? If he can be a starter, does he have the mentality to be nails in the playoffs? Again, you just don’t know until you know. Same questions with Ellis but a couple years farther down the line.

There’s an immediate need at C but yeah, Dvorsky looks like a likely stud in a year or two. Could definitely use some more in the pipeline. Main needle to thread here is adding a C to the current group that doesn’t completely block Dvorsky in a couple years.

RD is “fine” today with Parayko and Faulk but we need a 3RD IMO. One better than Kessel or wherever lefty we’d throw over there today. But in the future, it looks pretty bleak. The wheels are coming off Faulk and that’s bound to happen to Parayko eventually too. Age catches up to us all eventually. Jiricek is a huge maybe and McIsaac is likely a #6-7 guy if he ever makes it at all and that’d be years from now.

The thing with C is we need it now. There is a massive hole there, and by Steeners interview, I doubt we are moving on from Sunny, and I have a feeling he will be on the 4th line. Dvorsky and by all accounts Stenberg appear to be the 2-3 or 2-4 centers of the future. I know you guys keep up with the prospect stuff more than I do, but Stenberg and Lindstein got glowing praise when they were practicing with the boys last year. The real bummer is Dean. From what I understand last year when he got his call up, people said he could be the 4C right now. The Blues aren't going to turn all of that over to those 3 in the next 2 years, but You could see a world where in 2 years, you have Dvorsky 2C, Schenn 3C, Stenberg on a wing, and Dean 4C.

Yep. Which is why I said there’s an immediate need at C. It’s the biggest immediate need.

Stenberg is a LW. Pretty much near 0 chance he plays C going forward.

Dean still has potential. Same 3C potential I would’ve given him a year ago tbh. But yeah, bummer he missed most of this season to injury. But he played the last 2 regular season games and all 3 playoff games and looked good. The injury likely delays his timeline a year but he still has the same characteristics that make for a good bottom-6 C IMO.

[STL fan in MN]

Boston isn’t trading McAvoy.

Also, Army said in his presser that he likes his top-4 D and his main target this summer is a forward.

Yes, but maybe he does not want to show his cards.

I dont see why the Blues would trade assets for a D right now. As Army said the Top 4 is good, really good at times and Tucker has shown he can play well so anchoring a #6 spot whether its Leddy, Suter, Kessel is not a big deal at all.
Another Center is the most pressing need obviously they cant bring back Sunny as the 3rd center and its not likely Dvorsky at least in October so my guess is Army either trades prospects for a young ish RFA type or signs a more temporary veteran who checks some boxes

Because we only have two NHL d men on the right side and both are aging and thinking ahead is how you win.

isn't that what the draft picks the last coupla years was doing?

Left D is stocked but Right D isn't

On Left D you have Fowler in his current form for a little longer, with Lindstein right behind.
Then you have Broberg with a vet backup in Leddy there now, Tucker is a natural lefty but has been playing right.
Behind them you have Fischer, Burns and Ralph

But on Right D you have Parayko around his 750 game mark so that's good for a few more seasons
But Faulk is getting to the end, and even in his current form he is an adequate player some strengths some weaknesses doesn't always give you the same performance
Behind them you have Jiricek and McIsaac (a 5th rounder who is a longer play). Jiricek is not something I would count on at this point.

That's what skilles is getting at. The left is in good shape but the right needs to be set up for success going forward.

Yep. Agree with you and skilles. 2C is the bigger short-term need but RD is the bigger longterm need…and while there’s no guarantees, it is absolutely possible to address both issues this off-season. We have no idea what all players and what all trade scenarios will be available to Army but it should be possible.

In spite of DA's comments about the blue line I think he knows this, right?

I believe eyes wide open is what he will do this summer on both fronts.

Agreed. Center is the bigger immediate issue but he obviously must see the issue at RD. But he can’t just say “we need to upgrade 2RD” as that would be needlessly rude to Faulk and he’d also lose negotiating leverage with other GMs.