The St. Louis Blues were just slammed by their bitter rivals, Chicago, 7-3 on Wednesday night. With that kind of loss, coming off an impressive two-game winning streak, it is time to face the music.
A major, franchise-shifting move must be made when the Trade Deadline hits in March. And there is really only one name worth shopping around that could really make some waves in this organization, and it involves the 24th captain in Blues history, Brayden Schenn.
Where could he land, should General Manager Doug Armstrong go in that direction?
Toronto Maple Leafs
It seems like it would be destiny calling for the Toronto Maple Leafs to put in a bid for Schenn. It almost happened last season, and there is even more incentive for it to happen this season.
Toronto has not been all that and a bag of chips this season, but should they turn it around and make a playoff push, Schenn could be a crucial member for them to make a run. The return could also be very enticing for the Blues, as the Maple Leafs have a third-round pick in next year's draft, or potentially stripping away a young prospect like Miroslav Holinka.
Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks could come calling as well, as they are looking for a rough-and-tough center that has a strong scoring ability. After moving J.T. Miller back to the New York Rangers, they have been actively looking for a replacement, and Schenn fits the bill perfectly.
In terms of a return, the Canucks have two first-round picks and a second-round pick in next year's draft, so parting with a fourth-round pick and another prospect could be in the cards. Unless General Manager Doug Armstrong could work his magic and grab that second-rounder.
Buffalo Sabres
One of the youngest teams in the NHL, and similarly built like the Blues' playstyle, the Buffalo Sabres could use Schenn. They have an elite group of forwards like Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch, and Josh Doan, and Schenn could be a sturdy leader of that group.
Buffalo and St. Louis have history with that Thompson and Ryan O'Reilly deal a number of years ago. It is safe to say that both sides were able to win that deal, and that could happen again with a deal involving Schenn.
Montreal Canadiens
Another young team in need of an experienced forward, namely a center, is Montreal. These two teams also have some history as well, much more recent than with Buffalo, as Zack Bolduc and Logan Mailloux swapped places this offseason.
Schenn has to be on their radar, as their center pipeline is young but growing. Nick Suzuki, Oliver Kapanen, and the aforementioned Bolduc. Maybe the Blues could get Bolduc, who has blossomed into a fine forward, back.