Armstrong discusses looking for 2nd line C

[TheHighHat]

Army is going to have to go a different route because acquiring a proven center for immediate help is near impossible to find.
It's time to solve the issue long term and cease looking for a temporary solution.

Seattle has the cap space, the need for a scoring RW, and a mostly veteran team that wants to make the playoffs.
They also have center depth.
Beniers, Wright, Stephenson, & Gaudreau.
Catton, O'Brien, and Villeneuve in the pipeline.

Seattle does appear to have their wingers set with the Marchment acquisition, but a closer look reveals that Schwartz, Eberle, Tolvanen, & Marchment are all entering their walk year. None of them can fill the net like Kyrou. Eberle is on the 18th hole.
Kyrou's talent & term will look good to Botterill & Francis.

Army calls Botterill and starts the conversation about Wright because he showed a pulse last year.
Seattle wouldn't trade him, would they? Hard to gauge his trade value.
After Botterill says no after Army feels him up a bit, the conversation drifts to the guy Army really wants:
Berkly Catton.

What is the trade value of a top 10 pick from 2024 that has yet to play an NHL game?
We could add a LHD prospect.
Eberle or someone else might be included in an expanded deal as a salary dump if the Kraken want to keep a cap cushion and throw us a forward to play in 25-26 while Catton marinates for another year.

Seattle in 25-26
McCann-Beniers-Kyrou
Schwartz-Wright-Kakko
Marchment-Stephenson-Tolvanen
Veleno-Gaudreau-Eberle

This type of trade would temporarily hurt our team just a little, but in the long run would greatly benefit the organization.
There would be a good chance that Catton and Dvorsky would simultaneously be ready for full time action at the same time: my guess is the 26-27 season.

Top 9 for 26-27
Holloway-Thomas-Buchnevich
Neighbours-Catton-Snuggerud
Schenn-Dvorsky-Bolduc

Many of you are probably going to scoff at this trade idea but from a macro perspective, it makes compete sense because the western conference teams are loading up on young guns (centers) and solves a major need long term. Having 3 lines that can score is going to be the trend.

This trade would still leave the gaping hole at RHD, but you can't plug every hole in one year.

Of course the other team with crazy young center depth and the need for a scoring winger is Chicago, but trading with them is highly unlikely.

[noted]

Army is going to have to go a different route because acquiring a proven center for immediate help is near impossible to find.
It's time to solve the issue long term and cease looking for a temporary solution.

Seattle has the cap space, the need for a scoring RW, and a mostly veteran team that wants to make the playoffs.
They also have center depth.
Beniers, Wright, Stephenson, & Gaudreau.
Catton, O'Brien, and Villeneuve in the pipeline.

Seattle does appear to have their wingers set with the Marchment acquisition, but a closer look reveals that Schwartz, Eberle, Tolvanen, & Marchment are all entering their walk year. None of them can fill the net like Kyrou. Eberle is on the 18th hole.
Kyrou's talent & term will look good to Botterill & Francis.

Army calls Botterill and starts the conversation about Wright because he showed a pulse last year.
Seattle wouldn't trade him, would they? Hard to gauge his trade value.
After Botterill says no after Army feels him up a bit, the conversation drifts to the guy Army really wants:
Berkly Catton.

What is the trade value of a top 10 pick from 2024 that has yet to play an NHL game?
We could add a LHD prospect.
Eberle or someone else might be included in an expanded deal as a salary dump if the Kraken want to keep a cap cushion and throw us a forward to play in 25-26 while Catton marinates for another year.

Seattle in 25-26
McCann-Beniers-Kyrou
Schwartz-Wright-Kakko
Marchment-Stephenson-Tolvanen
Veleno-Gaudreau-Eberle

This type of trade would temporarily hurt our team just a little, but in the long run would greatly benefit the organization.
There would be a good chance that Catton and Dvorsky would simultaneously be ready for full time action at the same time: my guess is the 26-27 season.

Top 9 for 26-27
Holloway-Thomas-Buchnevich
Neighbours-Catton-Snuggerud
Schenn-Dvorsky-Bolduc

Many of you are probably going to scoff at this trade idea but from a macro perspective, it makes compete sense because the western conference teams are loading up on young guns (centers) and solves a major need long term. Having 3 lines that can score is going to be the trend.

This trade would still leave the gaping hole at RHD, but you can't plug every hole in one year.

Of course the other team with crazy young center depth and the need for a scoring winger is Chicago, but trading with them is highly unlikely.

I’m assuming you got the Seattle idea from Elliotte onn32 Thoughts this morning. I don’t see Catton being ready this year for NHL. I would think Wright and Schwartz for Kyrou plus something else would be the play.

[TheHighHat]

^
I did not see it.
What are his thoughts?

[TheHighHat]

^
I did not see it.
What are his thoughts?

Edit: I mentioned that Catton would not be ready until 26-27.

[Younghopp1991]

Different scenario but i could see schwartz coming back for a season to go for another cup run with his old team. Veteran presence and you know hes giving 100%~100% of the time. Plugging him into a 3rd line role if STL decides to package roster LHW for a 2c. This would be a next offseason move unless Seattle is terrible at the deadline

[Old_Goat]

Army is going to have to go a different route because acquiring a proven center for immediate help is near impossible to find.
It's time to solve the issue long term and cease looking for a temporary solution.

Seattle has the cap space, the need for a scoring RW, and a mostly veteran team that wants to make the playoffs.
They also have center depth.
Beniers, Wright, Stephenson, & Gaudreau.
Catton, O'Brien, and Villeneuve in the pipeline.

Seattle does appear to have their wingers set with the Marchment acquisition, but a closer look reveals that Schwartz, Eberle, Tolvanen, & Marchment are all entering their walk year. None of them can fill the net like Kyrou. Eberle is on the 18th hole.
Kyrou's talent & term will look good to Botterill & Francis.

Army calls Botterill and starts the conversation about Wright because he showed a pulse last year.
Seattle wouldn't trade him, would they? Hard to gauge his trade value.
After Botterill says no after Army feels him up a bit, the conversation drifts to the guy Army really wants:
Berkly Catton.

What is the trade value of a top 10 pick from 2024 that has yet to play an NHL game?
We could add a LHD prospect.
Eberle or someone else might be included in an expanded deal as a salary dump if the Kraken want to keep a cap cushion and throw us a forward to play in 25-26 while Catton marinates for another year.

Seattle in 25-26
McCann-Beniers-Kyrou
Schwartz-Wright-Kakko
Marchment-Stephenson-Tolvanen
Veleno-Gaudreau-Eberle

This type of trade would temporarily hurt our team just a little, but in the long run would greatly benefit the organization.
There would be a good chance that Catton and Dvorsky would simultaneously be ready for full time action at the same time: my guess is the 26-27 season.

Top 9 for 26-27
Holloway-Thomas-Buchnevich
Neighbours-Catton-Snuggerud
Schenn-Dvorsky-Bolduc

Many of you are probably going to scoff at this trade idea but from a macro perspective, it makes compete sense because the western conference teams are loading up on young guns (centers) and solves a major need long term. Having 3 lines that can score is going to be the trend.

This trade would still leave the gaping hole at RHD, but you can't plug every hole in one year.

Of course the other team with crazy young center depth and the need for a scoring winger is Chicago, but trading with them is highly unlikely.

Excellent post. Sure, some folks might not fully agree, but that's what forums are all about. Well thought out, well presented. I'm now intrigued...

[noted]

^
I did not see it.
What are his thoughts?

Friedman mentions Armstrong looking for center. He said one of the teams I kind of wondered about for Kyrou is Seattle with all their center depth. He says there was conversations before the draft and wonders if will continue post draft.

[TheHighHat]

^
I did not see it.
What are his thoughts?

Friedman mentions Armstrong looking for center. He said one of the teams I kind of wondered about for Kyrou is Seattle with all their center depth. He says there was conversations before the draft and wonders if will continue post draft.

Thank you!

Makes sense. I came up with the idea after going over the teams with all of the young center depth that I mentioned in a thread I started the other night. I also laid out the reasons why it would make sense for Seattle in my post above.

[TheHighHat]

Army is going to have to go a different route because acquiring a proven center for immediate help is near impossible to find.
It's time to solve the issue long term and cease looking for a temporary solution.

Seattle has the cap space, the need for a scoring RW, and a mostly veteran team that wants to make the playoffs.
They also have center depth.
Beniers, Wright, Stephenson, & Gaudreau.
Catton, O'Brien, and Villeneuve in the pipeline.

Seattle does appear to have their wingers set with the Marchment acquisition, but a closer look reveals that Schwartz, Eberle, Tolvanen, & Marchment are all entering their walk year. None of them can fill the net like Kyrou. Eberle is on the 18th hole.
Kyrou's talent & term will look good to Botterill & Francis.

Army calls Botterill and starts the conversation about Wright because he showed a pulse last year.
Seattle wouldn't trade him, would they? Hard to gauge his trade value.
After Botterill says no after Army feels him up a bit, the conversation drifts to the guy Army really wants:
Berkly Catton.

What is the trade value of a top 10 pick from 2024 that has yet to play an NHL game?
We could add a LHD prospect.
Eberle or someone else might be included in an expanded deal as a salary dump if the Kraken want to keep a cap cushion and throw us a forward to play in 25-26 while Catton marinates for another year.

Seattle in 25-26
McCann-Beniers-Kyrou
Schwartz-Wright-Kakko
Marchment-Stephenson-Tolvanen
Veleno-Gaudreau-Eberle

This type of trade would temporarily hurt our team just a little, but in the long run would greatly benefit the organization.
There would be a good chance that Catton and Dvorsky would simultaneously be ready for full time action at the same time: my guess is the 26-27 season.

Top 9 for 26-27
Holloway-Thomas-Buchnevich
Neighbours-Catton-Snuggerud
Schenn-Dvorsky-Bolduc

Many of you are probably going to scoff at this trade idea but from a macro perspective, it makes compete sense because the western conference teams are loading up on young guns (centers) and solves a major need long term. Having 3 lines that can score is going to be the trend.

This trade would still leave the gaping hole at RHD, but you can't plug every hole in one year.

Of course the other team with crazy young center depth and the need for a scoring winger is Chicago, but trading with them is highly unlikely.

Excellent post. Sure, some folks might not fully agree, but that's what forums are all about. Well thought out, well presented. I'm now intrigued...

Thank you OG

I think there is a major disconnect on a couple of fronts with us Blues fans.

It seems there are many around here that are way overshooting Kyrou's trade value. The 2 Canadiens threads have some ridiculous asking prices.
I actually think Seattle would turn down a straight up Kyrou for Catton deal. Maybe I'm wrong.

Would these same posters that bring up they don't want to take the chance on an unproven player trade our top unproven player (Dvorsky) straight up for a proven player that would help the team right now? Most would want it both ways and say no.

Trade value of players comes down to many factors but the underlying factor is position.
The fact is wingers trade values are nowhere near that of centers or RHD.

The other major disconnect is how far along the Blues are right now.
Many feel they are Cup contenders so they don't want an unproven player for Kyrou.
I do not feel the Blues are there yet so I'm looking macro.

[noted]

^
I did not see it.
What are his thoughts?

Friedman mentions Armstrong looking for center. He said one of the teams I kind of wondered about for Kyrou is Seattle with all their center depth. He says there was conversations before the draft and wonders if will continue post draft.

Thank you!

Makes sense. I came up with the idea after going over the teams with all of the young center depth that I mentioned in a thread I started the other night. I also laid out the reasons why it would make sense for Seattle in my post above.

Yes your logic is very good. It could be Catton that is Doug’s target but have feeling he would want immediate impact, especially in his last year as GM. That’s why I lean Wright.

[TheHighHat]

^
I did not see it.
What are his thoughts?

Friedman mentions Armstrong looking for center. He said one of the teams I kind of wondered about for Kyrou is Seattle with all their center depth. He says there was conversations before the draft and wonders if will continue post draft.

Thank you!

Makes sense. I came up with the idea after going over the teams with all of the young center depth that I mentioned in a thread I started the other night. I also laid out the reasons why it would make sense for Seattle in my post above.

Yes your logic is very good. It could be Catton that is Doug’s target but have feeling he would want immediate impact, especially in his last year as GM. That’s why I lean Wright.

I agree with you on our end, but Seattle wants to make the playoffs this year and trading Wright before Catton or O'Brien are ready to take his spot would leave a 3C hole since Stephenson would have to move up to 2C.

I would take either Wright or Catton for Kyrou.
3 centers that can produce offense is needed to win the Cup.

[Bacchk29]

Considering the market at center, surprised we weren’t in on the Zegras conversation. Flyers didn’t pay much for the guy could have been a lot of upside there.

[leedog68]

The Blues number 2 line carried the team in the second half of the season. Holloway and Schenn both played their best hockey when on a line with Kyrou. If it's not broke, don't fix it. There will be a stop gap 3C available. Just about anyone will be an upgrade over Sunny.

[seattleblue]

If he can't get an upgrade, I wouldn't be surprised if Texier gets a shot at 3C.

I would be absolutely shocked if that happened. I see a higher likelihood of seeing Elvis bagging groceries at the local Schnucks than Texier being a 3C

We have nothing to lose by giving him an extended look.

leedog and blue sabbath deserve the jacksonville jags fan gif here. what in the world is this. blue font?

[moose-and-squirrel]

If he can't get an upgrade, I wouldn't be surprised if Texier gets a shot at 3C.

I would be absolutely shocked if that happened. I see a higher likelihood of seeing Elvis bagging groceries at the local Schnucks than Texier being a 3C

We have nothing to lose by giving him an extended look.

leedog and blue sabbath deserve the jacksonville jags fan gif here. what in the world is this. blue font?

it's why he was brought in here last year for.. to try to fill the 3c spot. and honestly, he was productive when on the ice

but that's the rub.. he has a hard time staying on the ice. and by time he was healthy, the Blues were on a streak and no way was going to mess with the lineup.. and rightfully so

[seattleblue]

Army is going to have to go a different route because acquiring a proven center for immediate help is near impossible to find.
It's time to solve the issue long term and cease looking for a temporary solution.

Seattle has the cap space, the need for a scoring RW, and a mostly veteran team that wants to make the playoffs.
They also have center depth.
Beniers, Wright, Stephenson, & Gaudreau.
Catton, O'Brien, and Villeneuve in the pipeline.

Seattle does appear to have their wingers set with the Marchment acquisition, but a closer look reveals that Schwartz, Eberle, Tolvanen, & Marchment are all entering their walk year. None of them can fill the net like Kyrou. Eberle is on the 18th hole.
Kyrou's talent & term will look good to Botterill & Francis.

Army calls Botterill and starts the conversation about Wright because he showed a pulse last year.
Seattle wouldn't trade him, would they? Hard to gauge his trade value.
After Botterill says no after Army feels him up a bit, the conversation drifts to the guy Army really wants:
Berkly Catton.

What is the trade value of a top 10 pick from 2024 that has yet to play an NHL game?
We could add a LHD prospect.
Eberle or someone else might be included in an expanded deal as a salary dump if the Kraken want to keep a cap cushion and throw us a forward to play in 25-26 while Catton marinates for another year.

Seattle in 25-26
McCann-Beniers-Kyrou
Schwartz-Wright-Kakko
Marchment-Stephenson-Tolvanen
Veleno-Gaudreau-Eberle

This type of trade would temporarily hurt our team just a little, but in the long run would greatly benefit the organization.
There would be a good chance that Catton and Dvorsky would simultaneously be ready for full time action at the same time: my guess is the 26-27 season.

Top 9 for 26-27
Holloway-Thomas-Buchnevich
Neighbours-Catton-Snuggerud
Schenn-Dvorsky-Bolduc

Many of you are probably going to scoff at this trade idea but from a macro perspective, it makes compete sense because the western conference teams are loading up on young guns (centers) and solves a major need long term. Having 3 lines that can score is going to be the trend.

This trade would still leave the gaping hole at RHD, but you can't plug every hole in one year.

Of course the other team with crazy young center depth and the need for a scoring winger is Chicago, but trading with them is highly unlikely.

Villeneuve is the one who jacked up Jiricek with a hit on Feb 5 that knocked him out of the lineup. At that point in time I was considering not ever posting again on a Blues forum, but when I realized that literally no other person was going to mention this to our fans that our first rounder was injured and not playing games and that nobody had any idea why, I felt compelled to mention it.

Catton I have seen a lot of. He would be a premium center prospect but it's risky and speculative as you sense. Is Seattle truly looking to win now? They seem far away.