Two Realistic UFA Options Blues Could Target in Free Agency

[TBone]

2 realistic UFA options Blues should target in Free Agency

By John Poston

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Vladislav Gavrikov - D

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Pius Suter - C

Arguably, the biggest need for the Blues is a 2nd-line center. Beyond Robert Thomas, St. Louis's center depth leaves much to be desired. Additionally, Armstrong indicated that one key goal for the Blues this offseason would be to acquire a 200-foot forward. It's difficult to know whether the Blues should find a medium- to long-term option, or acquire a stop-gap until top prospect Dalibor Dvorsky is ready for the NHL. There's one player on the market that could provide both of those options.

Forward Pius Suter is a UFA, after finishing a 2-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks. This season, he had 46 points between 25 goals and 21 assists, and took on top-6 center duties during a difficult season for the Canucks. This season, he stood out defensively, particularly on the penalty kill. Suter could be a natural fit as the 2C for the Blues and, like Gavrikov, could help remake their weak penalty killing units.

Suter will be 29 next season, and is projected to sign a 4-year x $4.98 million contract, per CapWages. That would be completely doable for the Blues. Suter would be an affordable, relatively young center option who could move to the wings or the 3C spot once Dvorsky is ready to take over. While he isn't much of a playmaker, a line of Suter, Dylan Holloway, and Jordan Kyrou would stand out defensively and, with two playmaking wingers, could still generate a lot of offense.

https://bleedinblue.com/2-realistic-ufa ... jvykm9qx5t

[TheHighHat]

The author is 0 for 2

If Suter is your 2C, you're not making the playoffs.
At the projected cost, hell no, especially since he isn't a true center.
He's smaller and coming off his outlier season.
Stay far away.

Gavrikov is a LHD
Broberg-Fowler-Leddy-Tucker-Lindstein
Not happening.

[a smell of green grass]

The first question to ask yourself about new players for the team: Will this person be generally stronger than what other playoff teams have at the position or worse?

We are not dressing Ken and Barbie and making sure that we have some shoes on. We are trying to win a Cup. You win when your players are better than the what the other team has.

[noted]

The author is 0 for 2

If Suter is your 2C, you're not making the playoffs.
At the projected cost, hell no, especially since he isn't a true center.
He's smaller and coming off his outlier season.
Stay far away.

Gavrikov is a LHD
Broberg-Fowler-Leddy-Tucker-Lindstein
Not happening.

Suter is not small. He is basically same size as Robert Thomas. Whether he is 2 or 3C and Schenn is the other, he’d be a big upgrade over Sunny, and that Blues team made the playoffs. Suter would be a very good get by Blues.

[STL fan in MN]

I’ve mentioned Pius Suter numerous times. Not a top name and he’d slot in more at 3C behind Schenn more than being a 2C to knock Schenn down to 3C, but he’d be a realistic add.

Gavrikov, while a solid player, is a LD. We just don’t have a need for him.

[Younghopp1991]

I’ve mentioned Pius Suter numerous times. Not a top name and he’d slot in more at 3C behind Schenn more than being a 2C to knock Schenn down to 3C, but he’d be a realistic add.

Gavrikov, while a solid player, is a LD. We just don’t have a need for him.

Would you be more in favor of suter or granlund. I dont expect granlund to put up 66 pts this coming season but seems to fit what we are looking for in a short term. Between him, faksa and schenn i feel like thats a good veteran group to learn from while also covering a bulk of our prospects nationality coming up (if that even matters). I could be way off base but it just seems like a smart low risk high reward move. And makes us better

[bluetunehead]

I’d target Fabbro for RHD if Columbus doesn’t lock him up first (I’m sure they’ll try).

[Younghopp1991]

I’d target Fabbro for RHD if Columbus doesn’t lock him up first (I’m sure they’ll try).

I forgot he is a ufa

[thegibby.]

Michael Eyssimont and Isac Lundestrom.

[STL fan in MN]

I’ve mentioned Pius Suter numerous times. Not a top name and he’d slot in more at 3C behind Schenn more than being a 2C to knock Schenn down to 3C, but he’d be a realistic add.

Gavrikov, while a solid player, is a LD. We just don’t have a need for him.

Would you be more in favor of suter or granlund. I dont expect granlund to put up 66 pts this coming season but seems to fit what we are looking for in a short term. Between him, faksa and schenn i feel like thats a good veteran group to learn from while also covering a bulk of our prospects nationality coming up (if that even matters). I could be way off base but it just seems like a smart low risk high reward move. And makes us better

Granlund is certainly the better player but it’d depend on if the Blues saw him as a C or LW. IMO, he’s a much better winger than center. That’d be my hesitation with Granlund.

The Dallas player I'd go after is Duchene. It’s not incredibly likely but he’s absolutely a C and Dallas is in cap trouble and won’t be able to keep everyone. I’d think he’d be willing to sign for around 3 years. So a good stopgap option. And he can absolutely still play.

[Younghopp1991]

I’ve mentioned Pius Suter numerous times. Not a top name and he’d slot in more at 3C behind Schenn more than being a 2C to knock Schenn down to 3C, but he’d be a realistic add.

Gavrikov, while a solid player, is a LD. We just don’t have a need for him.

Would you be more in favor of suter or granlund. I dont expect granlund to put up 66 pts this coming season but seems to fit what we are looking for in a short term. Between him, faksa and schenn i feel like thats a good veteran group to learn from while also covering a bulk of our prospects nationality coming up (if that even matters). I could be way off base but it just seems like a smart low risk high reward move. And makes us better

Granlund is certainly the better player but it’d depend on if the Blues saw him as a C or LW. IMO, he’s a much better winger than center. That’d be my hesitation with Granlund.

The Dallas player I'd go after is Duchene. It’s not incredibly likely but he’s absolutely a C and Dallas is in cap trouble and won’t be able to keep everyone. I’d think he’d be willing to sign for around 3 years. So a good stopgap option. And he can absolutely still play.

Duchene would be a monster get and he can fly. Inseem to remember people harping on his 2way game in Nashville when he put up 40+ goals. I just didnt include him in this because im sure someone will overpay with the quality center shortsge in free agency the next couple offseasons. Holloway duchene kyrou would fly out there. But not much physical play outside of holloway.

[moose-and-squirrel]

the question on the radio yesterday was, should STL dive into FA's this offseason or next.

imo, they don't NEED to do it this offseason. Schenn is most likely still a viable 2c for 1 more season, especially if his wingers stay healthy

then, you can re-assess what your needs are next offseason

that being said, if they can sign Duschene (sp?), I think they absolutely should

[thegibby.]

with Steen coming in; do you see Mika Zibanejad (32yrs old) being an option and being brought in? $8.5m x 5yrs Cap hit left. can't see the Rags paying $8.5m for a 3rd line center.

Not saying I'm all in on this or not; but the Rags will try to make some changes come summer. he does have a nmc.

[moose-and-squirrel]

with Steen coming in; do you see Mika Zibanejad (32yrs old) being an option and being brought in? $8.5m x 5yrs Cap hit left. can't see the Rags paying $8.5m for a 3rd line center.

Not saying I'm all in on this or not; but the Rags will try to make some changes come summer. he does have a nmc.

heeeeell no

they're talking about moving him to wing on top of that

[leedog68]

Does anyone have a good read on how Klingberg is playing? I know he was hurt most of the year. Right shot D that has played at a high level in his career. Someone will sign him to a prove it one year deal. Him and Tucker on the third pair might work.

[Younghopp1991]

the question on the radio yesterday was, should STL dive into FA's this offseason or next.

imo, they don't NEED to do it this offseason. Schenn is most likely still a viable 2c for 1 more season, especially if his wingers stay healthy

then, you can re-assess what your needs are next offseason

that being said, if they can sign Duschene (sp?), I think they absolutely should

If you are strictly talking about the center market off the top of my head i think eichel is the only one thats a difference maker.