Blues Draft Day Options

[Bluesfan1978]

Blue’s needs:
2C, centre depth, top end skill, gamebreakers, size & toughness
Blues Assets to trade:
1st round picks 11,15,31
3rd round picks 73, 75,76
2027 1st round pick
Players from roster: Kyrou, Berggren, Buch, Suter, Binner, Parayko, Tucker, Torpo, Drouin, Sunny, Finely, Walker
Prospects that could make the NHL: Kasimaki, Pekarcik, Korotky, Dean, Stancl, Ralph, Fisher, Burns, Koromyslov
Young Players/ Prospects you’d hate to lose: Jake, Carbo, Lindstein, Dvorksy
2024 Draft it was rumored that Philly wanted the Blues 2 second round picks to move from 17 to 12.
Applying that type of over payment to the Blues options and assuming players like Burns and Pekarcik are worth more than a 3rd round pick now that they played professional hockey 2-3 years after being drafted and up till now, they are tracking well.
If the team doesn’t make a trade prior to the draft for a core piece, I’d like to see the Blues advance their 3 first round picks if they can. The top two picks at minimum if they could get to picks 7, 9 they should be able to overpay value wise and it not hurt too much what the package looks like. If a team wants Kyrou this advance should be easy, they could even attach a mid-level prospect and the late 1st and maybe get into the 6-9 range. Moving from 11 to 6-7 would probably cost another player, maybe two of the prospects. From 15-10 would probably be the equivalent of 2 second round picks. The Blues have 3 third round picks and could add 1-2 other prospects.
I wouldn’t entertain trading Dvorsky unless it’s to move to grab Malhotra in one package, Same with Lindstein unless it’s to move to grab Carels or Smits. At picks 7 and 9 the Blues should be able to grab one of Malhotra, Viggo, Lawrence and at 9 still grab one of the top 5 D.
Stenberg: what could he be worth to the team that drafts his brother? Van, Flames, Rangers have picks in the 20’s plus early 2nd round picks. The Sharks have pick 20, The Blackhawks have picks 34,37.
They could draft one of the 3 top centres, one of the top 5 D, or maybe they stay put and go for players like Belchetz, Hemming, Suvanto, Mutryn.

[DawgDad]

Aside from exercising their draft picks the Blues need trade partners to make moves. That could go off in many unpredictable directions involving picks and/or players, too many possibilities to speculate.

I don't see the Blues trading out from their core of veterans under contract unless a player agrees to move. That could eliminate most if not all the pricey guys.

It seems fairly certain the Blues might explore options to move up in the draft or realign some of their picks.

With young players like Hofer, Broberg, Holloway, Neighbours, Finley, Mailloux, Dvorsky, Jiricek, Carbonneau, Stenberg, Lindstein, Ralph, Kaskimaki, and many other potential NHLers it seems pretty certain the Blues are going to stay patient and primarily focused on serving their youth movement. Once this wave settles in the 2026 class may be knocking on the door with another talent infusion. All of this leads me to believe the Blues will try to move up but they won't overpay to do it, but there could be moves none of us see coming.

[TheHighHat]

I can see us ending up with picks 9, 11 , & 31 if a certain goalie doesn't return to his current team.

Watch the Panthers. If ever there was a team that was ripe to trade a top 10 pick, it is Florida.
Their top 7 forwards and top 4 d-men are all signed long term.
The player drafted at #9 will have zero direct bearing on the Panthers Cup chances for the next 2 seasons.

Since the lottery is over Zito can now formulate his plan.
I would think he already knows what is going on with Bobrovsky.
If Zito knows Bob isn't returning, he will not putz around with that position.
Zito never hesitates to move all of his chips into the center of the table.
He'll make an attempt to acquire Binnington.

Offer pick #15 & Binnington to Florida for pick #9
Many feel that Binner and #15 is not enough for Florida to cough up 6 spots. I disagree.
Tell Zito were not giving up #11. Take #15 or leave it.
Army should not capitulate. Zito probably will.
If Zito says no way, roll with a motivated Binner in his walk year while he rebuilds his trade value.
Zito might try to pry Hellebuyck out of Winnipeg but will find out the cost is much higher in every regard.

If the Binnington deal is consummated, draft Lawrence, Rudolph, or Bjork with pick #9
Assuming the 3 above players are all gone at pick #11; draft Cullen, Belchetz, or Gustafsson.
Draft the best center or RHD available at #31 unless someone you really like at another position fell that far.

If we don't draft Rudolph, trade Kyrou to Ottawa for L. Hensler and a 2nd rounder in 27.
The Sens need a skilled winger and we need RHD in the pipeline.
Will Kyrou waive?

Having a mediocre Batherson as your only skilled winger is not good.
Ottawa has to acquire at least 1 skilled winger this offseason.
On the bright side for Ottawa they were pleased with J. Spence this year on the back end.
With the presumable full time graduation of Yakemchuk next season, they should be set on defense.
Sanderson - Zub
Chabot - Yakemchuk
Kleven - Spence

Then come July 1st, the Blues should sign a veteran 3RHD and a backup goalie.
Let Carbo and Jiricek marinate in Springfield for most, if not all of 26-27.
I can possibly see Carbo starting with the big club, but not Jiricek.

[SameOldBlues]

My whole myopic view on this in general is: The only reason to trade any draft picks at this point in our team’s current state is: To move up in the draft to either draft McKenna or one of the 5 top D. Otherwise id prefer they just keep em (the 3 firsts anyway) and make 3 players to add to our prospect pool, cause we still need to add to it since most have us in the #10 range prospect pool, and we’re lacking in high end, centers, and RHD depth.

The time to trade prospects for missin pieces is when we’re contenders again, and we’re nowhere near that yet.

We could have of easily not of even needed the option to burn picks to move up and could’ve made 3 first round picks regardless and gotten that premium prospect, but that ship has sailed, so ya gots to do whats ya gotta do if the opportunity is there