3 Early Extensions the St. Louis Blues Should Pursue

2. Pavel Buchnevich

An extension for Pavel Buchnevich would be highly irregular as he still has another year remaining on his contract. However, Buchnevich has been the most consistent and possibly the best player on the Blues since being acquired from the New York Rangers.

The 28-year-old signed a four-year $23.2 million deal after the Blues traded for the Russian winger in exchange for Sammy Blais and a 2022 second-round pick. The trade was one of the best of Armstrong’s career.

Buchnevich has played 137 games for the St. Louis Blues over the last three seasons and has been more than a point-per-game player. He has netted 143 points, 56 goals, and 87 assists in his St. Louis career.

He seems to fit like a glove with the top line of Thomas and Kyrou, which was a tough role to fill throughout the 2022-23 season. His ability to play all roles on the ice is something that the Blues don’t have throughout the lineup.

Giving Buchnevich a seven-year extension tomorrow would benefit everyone in the organization, and a top line of Buchnevich-Thomas-Kyrou would stand up next to every other top line in the NHL.