The St. Louis Blues have been a team with many rumors floating around as Tarasenko and Krug have both had their names floated as possible trade bait this off-season. Taraksenko still has not rescinded his trade request, while trading Krug would be a cap dump to create space for the team to retool. Mix in the fact that it seems David Perron and Nick Leddy will both walk when free agency opens today at noon.
Another Blues player has joined the trade rumors. According to Eric Duhatschek, the Blues could take advantage of Ivan Barbashev’s increased trade value and move him this summer.
Barbashev is coming off a breakout season in 2021-2022 as he set new career-highs with 26 goals and 34 assists for 60 points. His lack of postseason production, though, as he cooled off, recording just two assists and a minus-6 rating in 12 games. With him entering the final year of his contract that carries a $2.25 million cap, the Blues could jump on his increased value before he prices himself out of St. Louis with another strong campaign.
The 26-year-old certainly would have value on the trade market, especially with his low cap hit this upcoming season. The Blues should move on from him before they are forced to overpay for possibly one breakout season. At a time in the NHL when the trade market is hot, general manager Doug Armstrong should be able to fetch an excellent return. While the Blues are attempting to stay in contention for next season, ensuring their future is stocked with prospects and draft picks is just as important. Look out for a team like the New Jersey Devils, who have the cap space and assets to get the deal done as Barbashev’s age fits their timeline, and they are looking to improve their forward group.
