The NHL rumor mill is churning, and this time the talk in league circles links two teams hungry for a playoff push: the Carolina Hurricanes and the St. Louis Blues. Sportsnet has floated a potential blockbuster that could shake up both teams’ rosters.
Analyzing a Potential Blockbuster Hurricanes-Blues Trade
Here’s the deal on the table:
Carolina Hurricanes Receive:
- Pavel Buchnevich
St. Louis Blues Receive:
- Martin Necas
- Jackson Blake
- 2024 Hurricanes 1st-round pick
- 2024 Flyers 2nd-round pick (previously acquired)
Why Carolina Says Yes
The Hurricanes are itching to upgrade their offense as they chase a deep playoff run. Buchnevich is a dynamic and consistent scorer, a near point-per-game presence for the past three seasons. With Martin Necas facing a potential contract squeeze as a pending RFA, Carolina secures offensive firepower and cost certainty with Buchnevich’s extra year under contract.
Why St. Louis Pulls the Trigger
It’s no secret the Blues have been open to shakeups. This deal centers around potential. Necas, already a 70-point scorer, could be just scratching the surface of his talent. Blake adds young energy and scoring punch. The draft picks sweeten the pot, allowing St. Louis to refuel for the future.
The Verdict
This has all the makings of a high-impact trade. Both teams have legitimate needs this scenario could address. Could the Hurricanes and Blues find common ground and make a splash before the trade deadline? It’s a scenario worth watching closely.
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Buchnevich is signed through the 24-25 season for $5.8 million. The Blues could easily accommodate a bridge deal for Necas. Also, Necas age is what Blues GM Doug Armstrong has been looking for as he tries to keep St Louis as a competitive bubble team during the reload. Blake has been an offensive force for the University of North Dakota so the potential offensive talent between the two players is considerable. The major hole in the Blues prospect pool is top 4 defensemen. Theo Lindstein, one of three Blues first rounders last year is currently the only prospect that seems to fit that requirement. Carolina has Morrow and Nikishin as their top two defensive prospects, could the trade morph into dropping Moore and adding one of the two defensive prospects? Only time will tell.
Why would the Blues consider a trade like this when the player they’re going to receive back is a RFA at the end of this season? They probably couldn’t resign him for the same reasons why they can’t resign Buchnevich. Carolina will have a whole season after this season! I’m just wondering?