Eklund's Latest Rumors For All 32 Teams

[Harry York 37]

Eklund’s rumor mongering is worthless, but I’ll chime in and say I think the Blues’ top need is a defenseman that can put up points on the top power play unit while still providing decent defense. That’s why I think trading for Nikishin makes sense for the Blues, although taking on the bad contract Carolina is apparently wanting to bundle with Nikishin makes little sense for the Blues.

I'll disagree. The Blues top need is time. They really just need for players to develop and see how it plays out.

Our only decent chance for a D prospect to be worthy of top player play minutes is Jiricek, and his full development doesn’t fit the timeline of Robert Thomas’ contract. The Blues need to acquire a power play D now and not in 2-3 years. Nikishin could fill that role, and his age fits the Blues core and also means signing him long term won’t saddle the team with an aged, declining player at the end of the contract. Bumping Broberg down to the 2nd PP unit would greatly improve the PP, which was abysmal last season.

The current roster would likely have Broberg and Mailloux on the 2 PP units. I believe they combined had 2 goals and 5 assists on the PP last season.

This is the reason the Blues were rumored to be trying to trade for Byram for years. A PP D has been a roster hole since Petro left.

Good explanation. I can see why you think the Blues should be targeting Nikishin.
On the other hand, the Blues have already made a number of fairly significant moves and have a young team. Most prospects are still over a year away, but one or two could surprise. I would like to see more growth from within. I'd bet the D gets more than 2 PP goals this year sans Nikishin, for example .
I haven't seen Nikishin play enough to know if he is worth the gamble, but I think it would be a huge gamble since he is not yet proven and given the likely price to trade for him and the forthcoming contract / cap cost.

I believe Broberg and Mailloux both take giant strides this season, barring injury.

Mailloux might make the larger strides as he just might have enough confidence and poise to pick his pinches even more cannily. Even last year, by the midway point of the season, he was starting to make the considered gamble and his instincts-and his athleticism got him out of trouble most every time he bet wrong.

Speaking of Athleticism, is there a more all around gifted specimen on the roster than Broberg?
I can’t wait to see where he picks up this season.

+1
And also for the earlier StlFanInVA, time and patience applies as well...and the time may not be that long. Looking forward to the competition and hoping for a solid start to season without panic, so there is not a massive hole to dig out of forcing counterproductive moves.

Amen. These two merit more time and patience.
After the catastrophe that defined LM's first month on the Blues roster, it was a miracle he finished as strongly as he did.. He's got guts and "Resilience" for sure. I have zero doubt that his lack of offense was the result of him trying to play flawless defense to correct his plus-minus from Hell and to defuse the ire of fans who overvalued Bolduc and hated what a 17 year old Mailloux did, isolated and culturally alone on an international team in Sweden during Covid.
We are all over that... including LM. I believe. He is big strong, happy to play rough, and has all the promise of a top 10 Dman in a good draft .
Broberg is a work of art. He could also be more confident and more willing to unveil his offensive gifts and I can see that coming. I don't see him enjoying the rough and nasty stuff as much because he has never really needed to play that way in order to excel. His speed, size, and puck skills at near "McJeezus speed " are enough for almost any hockey player. He is Petro Lite, with more speed and beauty, but less nastiness.
Monty needs to find his fuse and light it.
These two are are damned young NHL defenseman who have already played a great deal of top-line minutes. Together.

[Cahokanut]

While it may make management all warm safe and fuzzy keeping Binnington around.
It's not needed and most likely that will lead to less value.
He should of been gone when a McMichael's and a pick was get able