Darren Dreger of TSN reported yesterday that St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn could be made available at this year's NHL trade deadline. Dreger stated that the move would be difficult because of Schenn's no-trade clause and that the return in a trade would have to be 'mammoth'.
Dreger revealed a potential landing spot for Schenn
Dreger mentioned the Toronto Maple Leafs as a team that would make sense for Schenn. There does seem to be a potential fit. Schenn would be reunited with former Blues head coach Craig Berube, a coach he played some of his best years under in St. Louis.
Schenn is a third-line centre on a contending team at this stage in his career. But his leadership and the way he goes about playing the game is certainly valuable. It's looking like centres will be a hot commodity at this trade deadline,so the Blues could use that to their advantage.
Should the Blues trade Brayden Schenn?
To simply answer the question, yes, the Blues should explore the idea of trading Schenn. He's been a great St. Louis Blue, but his best years are behind him. 6.5M a season for this version of Schenn is an overpay, and it would be hard to argue against that.
Being on the Blues isn't doing Schenn any good in my opinion. With Dalibor Dvorsky on the rise, there's a chance that Schenn could be blocking a spot in the lineup for him next year. The last thing Doug Armstrong would want to do is call up a top prospect and not have him play.
The idea of keeping Schenn doesn't fit the Blues timeline
The idea of keeping Schenn just doesn't fit the Blues timeline of the retool. Sure, he could still play and be a leader to the younger players, but is that more valuable than getting rid of his entire salary and opening up a spot for Dvorsky? I don't think so.
Schenn has been more valuable to the Blues franchise than anyone could've expected when he was acquired. But like what we saw with Ryan O'Reilly and David Perron, Doug Armstrong prioritizes present performance over legacy, the way it should be.
This is nothing more than a report by Dreger, but he's one of the more reliable reporters in the hockey community. When he reports something, it's very likely true. Blues fans should hope Schenn gets traded at the deadline, it is time.