What I would do with this team

[netboy65]

So, you guys targeting 1st round picks for the vets, you OK waiting another 5-6 years to have ANY hope? And then, the team will be drastically short of veteran leadership.

They need players. Like Tage Thompson for ROR in reverse.

I’ll take picks or prospects, doesn’t matter to me. High-end prospects are great, but usually harder to get in trades. But even if you move Kyrou, Schenn, Binnington, etc. for picks, those picks can be used to either move up in the first round for a better pick, or can be used to trade for players that fit the Blues rebuild. Plus trading Kyrou, etc for picks also opens up a ton of cap space, so that’s an “asset” as well.

If all you’re going to have left is picks and young kids, what do you need the cap space for?

[hockey jedi]

Lot of good ideas here. However, it makes more sense to wait until after the Olympics for teams to identify what they want in relation to their playoff prospects. That's when team's fill needs and wants for the playoffs. We could trade now, but it wreaks of desperation and we wouldn't get as much return. I love Schenn. He's a great Blue, but it's about managing assets. He has to go.

Buch has to go. If you isolate on him, he floats a lot. We will not get a first rounder for him and have to likely eat payroll. After his first year with the Blues, his production has decreased every year. I would be thrilled with a 2nd rounder.

Kyrou is an enigma. Agree with the original poster about his point regarding the energy that Keller brings Utah. Kyrou has not been a dangerous player for some time.

Thomas is still a productive center, but this year he has played like a second line center. I would always be open to a trade for the right deal.

We keep Binnington, but Hofer is the #1. I would only trade Binnington for an overpayment such as a first rounder or high-end prospect. Binner is a great goalie when the team is rolling, but a distraction when the team is playing poorly. I could see Binner winning a Cup with a different team.

With Holloway, we just need to wait and see how he responds. We have him under control for another year. Don't give him a contract until we better understand what we have.

Parayko, he's been an effective player. I don't want him traded even for a first rounder. I'd like to see him retire as a Blue.

Faulk has more value than he ever will going forward. I think the guy plays his heart out and leaves it all on the ice. Again, it's asset management with him.

We need to resign Broberg. I ask Sunny what he wants to do. He's a guy I would like to keep around the organization in the future if he's interested.

BTW, Jaden Schwartz is not coming back to St. Louis to be a Blue. He left in the first place because he wanted to be out West.

I agree with Frank, I'm happy with prospects or picks. Just keep filling the pipeline.

[a smell of green grass]

They need players. Like Tage Thompson for ROR in reverse.

In the back of my mind, this is the reverse deal that I want too. But where is our Tage Thompson? But where is our ROR to trade away?

Even though this is what I "WANT", is it possible? Could it ever happen?

Our best shot is the next Tage Thompson for Robert Thomas.
Our 2nd best shot is the next Tage Thompson for Faulk.

What does eveyone else think?

Is a Tage Thompson for somebody on our roster possible? Or just a dream?
Would Army's talent evaluation group even know what a young super Center looks like? Are we more apt to get only another young Dean?

It's high risk just to find a Thomas for Thomas player, nevertheless a better one.

Thomas has to bring a Brinks truck load or else you keep him.

What I want is the next Tage Thompson for the current Thomas. Is that impossible? I have my doubts as well.

[a smell of green grass]

Give me a break. Tage Thompson wasn't allowed to be Tage Thompson with the Blues. Neither will the next.

Holy Zh1t. If true, this IS A PROBLEM?

Why do you say this? I think I know, but please elaborate.

[Frank Underwood]

So, you guys targeting 1st round picks for the vets, you OK waiting another 5-6 years to have ANY hope? And then, the team will be drastically short of veteran leadership.

They need players. Like Tage Thompson for ROR in reverse.

I’ll take picks or prospects, doesn’t matter to me. High-end prospects are great, but usually harder to get in trades. But even if you move Kyrou, Schenn, Binnington, etc. for picks, those picks can be used to either move up in the first round for a better pick, or can be used to trade for players that fit the Blues rebuild. Plus trading Kyrou, etc for picks also opens up a ton of cap space, so that’s an “asset” as well.

If all you’re going to have left is picks and young kids, what do you need the cap space for?

I must not have been clear……If you can get top prospects from playoff contenders, that’s great. But picks can be used to trade for players, and cap space can be used for free agents and for trades for restricted free agents that have priced themselves out of their current markets. Robertson was brought up in another thread, and while I’m not sure he’s worth $12 million, that does look like an example of a guy who is pricing himself off of his current team. My bottom line……I don’t mind moving older core guys for draft picks because you can do other things with those draft picks. You don’t necessarily have to make the pick and wait 3 or 4 years.

[Pierre McGuire]

So, you guys targeting 1st round picks for the vets, you OK waiting another 5-6 years to have ANY hope? And then, the team will be drastically short of veteran leadership.

They need players. Like Tage Thompson for ROR in reverse.

We are already at the stage of another 5 years before they are ready to really compete. We need as much talent as we can acquire and a change in direction of how we build it out is needed as well. We have to find a legit star, and the only way we are gonna get that is by acquiring as much capital as we can. We can use a mix of that to get more first rounders or maybe even move up to get a second high pick. There are several kids in this draft that are good enough to be NHL lineups very soon..some next year and some within 2 years.
This would be a great year to have two top 10 picks

[kimzey59]

So, you guys targeting 1st round picks for the vets, you OK waiting another 5-6 years to have ANY hope? And then, the team will be drastically short of veteran leadership.

They need players. Like Tage Thompson for ROR in reverse.

OR you can trade some of those prospects for players.
See Barbashev for Dean in reverse.


OR you can re-trade those acquired Draft picks for players.
See the Knights 1st last year(traded to SJ as part of the Hertl trade, then flipped to Nashville for Askarov).


OR having a Draft surplus in one year allows a future draft pick to be moved for more immediate need.
See Carlo to Toronto.


There are all manner of things you can do with 1st round picks. It's the highest form of currency in the NHL right now.
The more you have, the better.
Yes, I am absolutely in favor of trading some vets(Schenn and Faulk for starters) for 1st round picks if we can manage it.
We need talent. Talent is typically drafted in the 1st.
As for veteran leadership, it's called the UFA market. It's actually pretty easy to snag guys like Sunny and the Suter's to provide leadership once your talent is in place.

[moose-and-squirrel]

.

BTW, Jaden Schwartz is not coming back to St. Louis to be a Blue. He left in the first place because he wanted to be out West.

I believe Schwartz was quoted as saying he wishes he had resigned here and moving west was a mistake

could be wrong

[TheJackBurton]

First of I’m not adding any picks to trade players.
Robert Thomas there isn’t 20 centers in the NHL I’d pick over him and he plays a 200 ft game. I’m not rushing to trade him. If I did trade him, I need a young center coming back in the package and I’m probably looking for two other prospects that could be top 6 forwards or top 4 D or a goalie.
If no one offers the package the Blues want, I’m trying whatever wingers play the best with Thomas to get that line going. Jake, Stenberg, Holloway, Berggren, Snuggy, whoever.
Thomas maybe isn’t the best leader but he plays a 200 ft game and I’d have no trouble waiting another year on him to make a decision or to get a better offer.
Kyrou I’m starting with. The team already has internal replacements even though they might not be at that level yet. Snuggy gets it and was letting it rip last night whenever he could. Carbonneau will be a future top 6 winger with grit. Berggren isn’t perfect but he plays through traffic, hits, camps out in front of the net, I would sub him into Kyrou’s place if Kyrou only returns a draft pick.
Watching Kyrou last night, he just doesn’t have that drive to simplify his game and drive the net for some greasy goals. Watching Keller and other teams’ top players they do whatever they can to score. Kyrou has improved his 200-foot game but you need your highest paid players to lead. If you aren’t scoring especially you need to be willing to do whatever you need to score.
Kyrou I still think can land a 1st round pick plus.
Buch if I can’t land a 1st round pick or more, I’d demote him to the 3rd line or 4th if needed until his play dictates otherwise. He’d be off the PP as well until he starts producing. Listening to Rivers on the fast lane last night he said Buch needs to get through the year and really hone into sharpening his skills in the offseason and committing to whatever workout he needs to improve his play. If by next year Buch’s game doesn’t improve and he’s impeding younger wingers I’m sending him to the AHL if I can’t trade him.
Faulk I’m trading high on him if I can land a 1st round pick equivalent.
If no D come back in any trades I’d call Skinner up and give him a shot
Schenn I’m not trading yet unless it’s an offer I can’t refuse. I know his skill is declining but he’s one of the only players that bring the leadership he brings and the willingness to stand up for teammates consistently.
Sunny I’m moving on from or making an extra forward. No more PP time.
At some point Tucker unless he improves needs to be the 7th D.
Depending how Mailloux progresses the rest of this year he might need to be paired with an experienced stay at home D that is acquired
Fowler needs to be paired with Parayko to get both players playing right again.
Goalies I’m playing whoever gives the best chance to win and I’m listening on offers for Binner.
If someone offers a young goalie prospect or 1st round pick, I’m trading him.
Just trading Faulk & Kyrou should land 2 first round picks. I actually think the return would be a bit better than that.
Then the team should be picking top 5 this year so I would assume they land an impact player that could either be a top D or top line player.
The 1st round picks I’d be looking to package with other assets for another high pick, top prospect or young future star player.
Worst case the Blues cold end up drafting in the top 5 or ten next year while other players are developing.
The goalie position is what I'm most concerned with. Binner is maybe having his worst year with the team and Hofer just doesn't insill confidence in me yet. Hopefully Hofer continues to improve and Binner gets it together and in the future the team just needs a backup to play with Hofer.

There is absolutely no way Thomas is remotely on the block. He's about as untouchable as it gets. Now will Army listen if someone wants to drastically overpay for him? Sure he'd be stupid not to, but Army isn't offering Thomas in any situation or even telling any team he is available. He has 5 more years at a way below market contract even for a second line center anymore, but for a first line center? His contract is an absolute steal. I get the rumor sites are trying to get clicks by saying he could be made available, but he's as unavailable on this team as any player is.

[a smell of green grass]

First of I’m not adding any picks to trade players.
Robert Thomas there isn’t 20 centers in the NHL I’d pick over him and he plays a 200 ft game. I’m not rushing to trade him. If I did trade him, I need a young center coming back in the package and I’m probably looking for two other prospects that could be top 6 forwards or top 4 D or a goalie.
If no one offers the package the Blues want, I’m trying whatever wingers play the best with Thomas to get that line going. Jake, Stenberg, Holloway, Berggren, Snuggy, whoever.
Thomas maybe isn’t the best leader but he plays a 200 ft game and I’d have no trouble waiting another year on him to make a decision or to get a better offer.
Kyrou I’m starting with. The team already has internal replacements even though they might not be at that level yet. Snuggy gets it and was letting it rip last night whenever he could. Carbonneau will be a future top 6 winger with grit. Berggren isn’t perfect but he plays through traffic, hits, camps out in front of the net, I would sub him into Kyrou’s place if Kyrou only returns a draft pick.
Watching Kyrou last night, he just doesn’t have that drive to simplify his game and drive the net for some greasy goals. Watching Keller and other teams’ top players they do whatever they can to score. Kyrou has improved his 200-foot game but you need your highest paid players to lead. If you aren’t scoring especially you need to be willing to do whatever you need to score.
Kyrou I still think can land a 1st round pick plus.
Buch if I can’t land a 1st round pick or more, I’d demote him to the 3rd line or 4th if needed until his play dictates otherwise. He’d be off the PP as well until he starts producing. Listening to Rivers on the fast lane last night he said Buch needs to get through the year and really hone into sharpening his skills in the offseason and committing to whatever workout he needs to improve his play. If by next year Buch’s game doesn’t improve and he’s impeding younger wingers I’m sending him to the AHL if I can’t trade him.
Faulk I’m trading high on him if I can land a 1st round pick equivalent.
If no D come back in any trades I’d call Skinner up and give him a shot
Schenn I’m not trading yet unless it’s an offer I can’t refuse. I know his skill is declining but he’s one of the only players that bring the leadership he brings and the willingness to stand up for teammates consistently.
Sunny I’m moving on from or making an extra forward. No more PP time.
At some point Tucker unless he improves needs to be the 7th D.
Depending how Mailloux progresses the rest of this year he might need to be paired with an experienced stay at home D that is acquired
Fowler needs to be paired with Parayko to get both players playing right again.
Goalies I’m playing whoever gives the best chance to win and I’m listening on offers for Binner.
If someone offers a young goalie prospect or 1st round pick, I’m trading him.
Just trading Faulk & Kyrou should land 2 first round picks. I actually think the return would be a bit better than that.
Then the team should be picking top 5 this year so I would assume they land an impact player that could either be a top D or top line player.
The 1st round picks I’d be looking to package with other assets for another high pick, top prospect or young future star player.
Worst case the Blues cold end up drafting in the top 5 or ten next year while other players are developing.
The goalie position is what I'm most concerned with. Binner is maybe having his worst year with the team and Hofer just doesn't insill confidence in me yet. Hopefully Hofer continues to improve and Binner gets it together and in the future the team just needs a backup to play with Hofer.

There is absolutely no way Thomas is remotely on the block. He's about as untouchable as it gets. Now will Army listen if someone wants to drastically overpay for him? Sure he'd be stupid not to, but Army isn't offering Thomas in any situation or even telling any team he is available. He has 5 more years at a way below market contract even for a second line center anymore, but for a first line center? His contract is an absolute steal. I get the rumor sites are trying to get clicks by saying he could be made available, but he's as unavailable on this team as any player is.

What if Army has evaluated Thomas as a 2C, but Thomas is not interested in being a 2C?

We already know that Thomas didnt make the Olympic cut from Army. We already know that last Feb Army said that our best players are being outplayed by the other team’s best players.

[dhsux]

IF my aunt had balls she'd be my uncle.

Thomas is a #1 center here.

[Stlcardsblues]

First of I’m not adding any picks to trade players.
Robert Thomas there isn’t 20 centers in the NHL I’d pick over him and he plays a 200 ft game. I’m not rushing to trade him. If I did trade him, I need a young center coming back in the package and I’m probably looking for two other prospects that could be top 6 forwards or top 4 D or a goalie.
If no one offers the package the Blues want, I’m trying whatever wingers play the best with Thomas to get that line going. Jake, Stenberg, Holloway, Berggren, Snuggy, whoever.
Thomas maybe isn’t the best leader but he plays a 200 ft game and I’d have no trouble waiting another year on him to make a decision or to get a better offer.
Kyrou I’m starting with. The team already has internal replacements even though they might not be at that level yet. Snuggy gets it and was letting it rip last night whenever he could. Carbonneau will be a future top 6 winger with grit. Berggren isn’t perfect but he plays through traffic, hits, camps out in front of the net, I would sub him into Kyrou’s place if Kyrou only returns a draft pick.
Watching Kyrou last night, he just doesn’t have that drive to simplify his game and drive the net for some greasy goals. Watching Keller and other teams’ top players they do whatever they can to score. Kyrou has improved his 200-foot game but you need your highest paid players to lead. If you aren’t scoring especially you need to be willing to do whatever you need to score.
Kyrou I still think can land a 1st round pick plus.
Buch if I can’t land a 1st round pick or more, I’d demote him to the 3rd line or 4th if needed until his play dictates otherwise. He’d be off the PP as well until he starts producing. Listening to Rivers on the fast lane last night he said Buch needs to get through the year and really hone into sharpening his skills in the offseason and committing to whatever workout he needs to improve his play. If by next year Buch’s game doesn’t improve and he’s impeding younger wingers I’m sending him to the AHL if I can’t trade him.
Faulk I’m trading high on him if I can land a 1st round pick equivalent.
If no D come back in any trades I’d call Skinner up and give him a shot
Schenn I’m not trading yet unless it’s an offer I can’t refuse. I know his skill is declining but he’s one of the only players that bring the leadership he brings and the willingness to stand up for teammates consistently.
Sunny I’m moving on from or making an extra forward. No more PP time.
At some point Tucker unless he improves needs to be the 7th D.
Depending how Mailloux progresses the rest of this year he might need to be paired with an experienced stay at home D that is acquired
Fowler needs to be paired with Parayko to get both players playing right again.
Goalies I’m playing whoever gives the best chance to win and I’m listening on offers for Binner.
If someone offers a young goalie prospect or 1st round pick, I’m trading him.
Just trading Faulk & Kyrou should land 2 first round picks. I actually think the return would be a bit better than that.
Then the team should be picking top 5 this year so I would assume they land an impact player that could either be a top D or top line player.
The 1st round picks I’d be looking to package with other assets for another high pick, top prospect or young future star player.
Worst case the Blues cold end up drafting in the top 5 or ten next year while other players are developing.
The goalie position is what I'm most concerned with. Binner is maybe having his worst year with the team and Hofer just doesn't insill confidence in me yet. Hopefully Hofer continues to improve and Binner gets it together and in the future the team just needs a backup to play with Hofer.

Everyone is frustrated and is going to let themselves lose prospectus on where this team is.

Whether you want to call it a retool or rebuild this team has been in one for a few years. People need to remember that. Entering the 24-25 season the team was considered by most as being a high lottery pick team. I was one of the few who thought they would contend for a wild card spot. They exceeded most expectations last year which cranked up expectations this year. This year has been a step back which when you are developing a core of young players happens.

What I would do.

The first thing is accept this is not the year to try to flip this to become a playoff contender. Do not add to this roster at the trade deadline. Let it finish the year out of the playoffs with a shot at a top pick. Regroup in the offseason and continue adding to the young core you are building.

Second thing is how to handle Broberg and Holloway both RFAs. I would not make panic offers and overpay. They are still in my view extremely important pieces to this team, but with matching rights I would let the market show what they are valued at. I would continue to try to sign them to extensions that are not vast overpays. If a team vastly overpays take the compensation. If it’s a decent deal match it. My concern is we have a small sample size both have taken a step back this year. You can’t afford to over pay a second time as that will kill your cap in the future if they don’t continue to progress.

Schenn, Buch, Fowler and Faulk are not part of the young core (there are a couple other lesser players like Sunny in that as well). You listen to offers on them and if you get value, flip them.

Do not flip Binnington, Parayko or Kyrou unless it’s an incredible offer.

Agreed about the Edmonton boys.

Hollowell hasn’t been impressive this year. Even when healthy. He let that “Hollywood” nickname go to his head.

Of course I post this and within hours they extend Broberg.

[WilliamWestcliffe]

So, you guys targeting 1st round picks for the vets, you OK waiting another 5-6 years to have ANY hope? And then, the team will be drastically short of veteran leadership.

They need players. Like Tage Thompson for ROR in reverse.

I mean a little critical thinking would lend some to understand that you can still compile picks…and then, you know, use those assets coupled with other assets to acquire better prospects or a better draft position.

[Rollin' on the River]

First of I’m not adding any picks to trade players.
Robert Thomas there isn’t 20 centers in the NHL I’d pick over him and he plays a 200 ft game. I’m not rushing to trade him. If I did trade him, I need a young center coming back in the package and I’m probably looking for two other prospects that could be top 6 forwards or top 4 D or a goalie.
If no one offers the package the Blues want, I’m trying whatever wingers play the best with Thomas to get that line going. Jake, Stenberg, Holloway, Berggren, Snuggy, whoever.
Thomas maybe isn’t the best leader but he plays a 200 ft game and I’d have no trouble waiting another year on him to make a decision or to get a better offer.
Kyrou I’m starting with. The team already has internal replacements even though they might not be at that level yet. Snuggy gets it and was letting it rip last night whenever he could. Carbonneau will be a future top 6 winger with grit. Berggren isn’t perfect but he plays through traffic, hits, camps out in front of the net, I would sub him into Kyrou’s place if Kyrou only returns a draft pick.
Watching Kyrou last night, he just doesn’t have that drive to simplify his game and drive the net for some greasy goals. Watching Keller and other teams’ top players they do whatever they can to score. Kyrou has improved his 200-foot game but you need your highest paid players to lead. If you aren’t scoring especially you need to be willing to do whatever you need to score.
Kyrou I still think can land a 1st round pick plus.
Buch if I can’t land a 1st round pick or more, I’d demote him to the 3rd line or 4th if needed until his play dictates otherwise. He’d be off the PP as well until he starts producing. Listening to Rivers on the fast lane last night he said Buch needs to get through the year and really hone into sharpening his skills in the offseason and committing to whatever workout he needs to improve his play. If by next year Buch’s game doesn’t improve and he’s impeding younger wingers I’m sending him to the AHL if I can’t trade him.
Faulk I’m trading high on him if I can land a 1st round pick equivalent.
If no D come back in any trades I’d call Skinner up and give him a shot
Schenn I’m not trading yet unless it’s an offer I can’t refuse. I know his skill is declining but he’s one of the only players that bring the leadership he brings and the willingness to stand up for teammates consistently.
Sunny I’m moving on from or making an extra forward. No more PP time.
At some point Tucker unless he improves needs to be the 7th D.
Depending how Mailloux progresses the rest of this year he might need to be paired with an experienced stay at home D that is acquired
Fowler needs to be paired with Parayko to get both players playing right again.
Goalies I’m playing whoever gives the best chance to win and I’m listening on offers for Binner.
If someone offers a young goalie prospect or 1st round pick, I’m trading him.
Just trading Faulk & Kyrou should land 2 first round picks. I actually think the return would be a bit better than that.
Then the team should be picking top 5 this year so I would assume they land an impact player that could either be a top D or top line player.
The 1st round picks I’d be looking to package with other assets for another high pick, top prospect or young future star player.
Worst case the Blues cold end up drafting in the top 5 or ten next year while other players are developing.
The goalie position is what I'm most concerned with. Binner is maybe having his worst year with the team and Hofer just doesn't insill confidence in me yet. Hopefully Hofer continues to improve and Binner gets it together and in the future the team just needs a backup to play with Hofer.

Everyone is frustrated and is going to let themselves lose prospectus on where this team is.

Whether you want to call it a retool or rebuild this team has been in one for a few years. People need to remember that. Entering the 24-25 season the team was considered by most as being a high lottery pick team. I was one of the few who thought they would contend for a wild card spot. They exceeded most expectations last year which cranked up expectations this year. This year has been a step back which when you are developing a core of young players happens.

What I would do.

The first thing is accept this is not the year to try to flip this to become a playoff contender. Do not add to this roster at the trade deadline. Let it finish the year out of the playoffs with a shot at a top pick. Regroup in the offseason and continue adding to the young core you are building.

Second thing is how to handle Broberg and Holloway both RFAs. I would not make panic offers and overpay. They are still in my view extremely important pieces to this team, but with matching rights I would let the market show what they are valued at. I would continue to try to sign them to extensions that are not vast overpays. If a team vastly overpays take the compensation. If it’s a decent deal match it. My concern is we have a small sample size both have taken a step back this year. You can’t afford to over pay a second time as that will kill your cap in the future if they don’t continue to progress.

Schenn, Buch, Fowler and Faulk are not part of the young core (there are a couple other lesser players like Sunny in that as well). You listen to offers on them and if you get value, flip them.

Do not flip Binnington, Parayko or Kyrou unless it’s an incredible offer.

Agreed about the Edmonton boys.

Hollowell hasn’t been impressive this year. Even when healthy. He let that “Hollywood” nickname go to his head.

Of course I post this and within hours they extend Broberg.

To a disgusting, panic overpay.

[Stlcardsblues]

First of I’m not adding any picks to trade players.
Robert Thomas there isn’t 20 centers in the NHL I’d pick over him and he plays a 200 ft game. I’m not rushing to trade him. If I did trade him, I need a young center coming back in the package and I’m probably looking for two other prospects that could be top 6 forwards or top 4 D or a goalie.
If no one offers the package the Blues want, I’m trying whatever wingers play the best with Thomas to get that line going. Jake, Stenberg, Holloway, Berggren, Snuggy, whoever.
Thomas maybe isn’t the best leader but he plays a 200 ft game and I’d have no trouble waiting another year on him to make a decision or to get a better offer.
Kyrou I’m starting with. The team already has internal replacements even though they might not be at that level yet. Snuggy gets it and was letting it rip last night whenever he could. Carbonneau will be a future top 6 winger with grit. Berggren isn’t perfect but he plays through traffic, hits, camps out in front of the net, I would sub him into Kyrou’s place if Kyrou only returns a draft pick.
Watching Kyrou last night, he just doesn’t have that drive to simplify his game and drive the net for some greasy goals. Watching Keller and other teams’ top players they do whatever they can to score. Kyrou has improved his 200-foot game but you need your highest paid players to lead. If you aren’t scoring especially you need to be willing to do whatever you need to score.
Kyrou I still think can land a 1st round pick plus.
Buch if I can’t land a 1st round pick or more, I’d demote him to the 3rd line or 4th if needed until his play dictates otherwise. He’d be off the PP as well until he starts producing. Listening to Rivers on the fast lane last night he said Buch needs to get through the year and really hone into sharpening his skills in the offseason and committing to whatever workout he needs to improve his play. If by next year Buch’s game doesn’t improve and he’s impeding younger wingers I’m sending him to the AHL if I can’t trade him.
Faulk I’m trading high on him if I can land a 1st round pick equivalent.
If no D come back in any trades I’d call Skinner up and give him a shot
Schenn I’m not trading yet unless it’s an offer I can’t refuse. I know his skill is declining but he’s one of the only players that bring the leadership he brings and the willingness to stand up for teammates consistently.
Sunny I’m moving on from or making an extra forward. No more PP time.
At some point Tucker unless he improves needs to be the 7th D.
Depending how Mailloux progresses the rest of this year he might need to be paired with an experienced stay at home D that is acquired
Fowler needs to be paired with Parayko to get both players playing right again.
Goalies I’m playing whoever gives the best chance to win and I’m listening on offers for Binner.
If someone offers a young goalie prospect or 1st round pick, I’m trading him.
Just trading Faulk & Kyrou should land 2 first round picks. I actually think the return would be a bit better than that.
Then the team should be picking top 5 this year so I would assume they land an impact player that could either be a top D or top line player.
The 1st round picks I’d be looking to package with other assets for another high pick, top prospect or young future star player.
Worst case the Blues cold end up drafting in the top 5 or ten next year while other players are developing.
The goalie position is what I'm most concerned with. Binner is maybe having his worst year with the team and Hofer just doesn't insill confidence in me yet. Hopefully Hofer continues to improve and Binner gets it together and in the future the team just needs a backup to play with Hofer.

Everyone is frustrated and is going to let themselves lose prospectus on where this team is.

Whether you want to call it a retool or rebuild this team has been in one for a few years. People need to remember that. Entering the 24-25 season the team was considered by most as being a high lottery pick team. I was one of the few who thought they would contend for a wild card spot. They exceeded most expectations last year which cranked up expectations this year. This year has been a step back which when you are developing a core of young players happens.

What I would do.

The first thing is accept this is not the year to try to flip this to become a playoff contender. Do not add to this roster at the trade deadline. Let it finish the year out of the playoffs with a shot at a top pick. Regroup in the offseason and continue adding to the young core you are building.

Second thing is how to handle Broberg and Holloway both RFAs. I would not make panic offers and overpay. They are still in my view extremely important pieces to this team, but with matching rights I would let the market show what they are valued at. I would continue to try to sign them to extensions that are not vast overpays. If a team vastly overpays take the compensation. If it’s a decent deal match it. My concern is we have a small sample size both have taken a step back this year. You can’t afford to over pay a second time as that will kill your cap in the future if they don’t continue to progress.

Schenn, Buch, Fowler and Faulk are not part of the young core (there are a couple other lesser players like Sunny in that as well). You listen to offers on them and if you get value, flip them.

Do not flip Binnington, Parayko or Kyrou unless it’s an incredible offer.

Agreed about the Edmonton boys.

Hollowell hasn’t been impressive this year. Even when healthy. He let that “Hollywood” nickname go to his head.

Of course I post this and within hours they extend Broberg.

To a disgusting, panic overpay.

Tine will tell,but it most likely won’t be.

[JoshInFenton]

You set minimum values for a few veterans with lists, you wait and see if someone comes along and matches it, and you pull the trigger. if nothing materializes, then so be it.

The cap is going up, teams will find ways to fit guys in, no need to rush into a trade thats short of the right value.