The St. Louis Blues have turned things around, once again, after the 4 Nations Face-off. This team is in a great position for a playoff appearance, but they are still on the outside looking in.
To make sure that they make the playoffs, this franchise may need to fill a void with friday’s Trade Deadline. Where does this team need the most help? What position needs an upgrade, desperately?
Which Position?
The Blues most vulnerable position is the defensive unit. Outside of Colton Parayko and Cam Fowler, the rest of the defenders have not been all that amazing. Sure, some have good nights, but overall, it has not been a consistent success.
This has been an issue all season, but this is the last chance to be able to fix it. There are some solid players out there that may be on the trade block, and ripe for the taking. Currently, the problem with the defensive unit is the relative nature of father-time catching up to these veterans. That can compete, but not at the rate of their primes.
Why defense and who can fix it?
Some pending UFA's and RFA's on the market that could definately jumpstart this defensive unit are as follows. Remember, the current issue of aging contracts can be solved by bringing in some young guns that will grow with the influx of prospects coming up the pipeline.
Bowen Byram of Buffalo is a solid fit for the Blues. This season, he has seven goals and 22 assists for 29 points, which is a career-high. He is going to need a significant upgrade of a contract from his $3.85 million deal. With the salary cap increase and the possibility of dumping some cap off at the deadline, it could be a great deal for the Blues.
Another name to look out for to fix the defensive woes is Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders. This is a little more trickier then the prospect of Byram from Buffalo, as Dobson might be in the Islanders plans long-term. But, if General Manager can sway Dobson away from Long Island, it might be a home-run.