Despite notching eight points in his last five games, it is time to have a serious conversation about Pavel Buchnevich and his future with the St. Louis Blues. This 2025-26 season, which has been awful for just about everyone on this roster, has shown another downturn in production from No. 89.
That marks another season in the Blue Note with declining numbers, meaning that there has to be an end in sight for his tenure here. With recent success surrounding the Olympic Break, and the return from it, now might be the time to explore a trade partner for Buchnevich, as his value continues to grow.
But can the Blues really trade him after re-signing him to a brand new deal that started this season? Should he stay on as the Blues are potentially entering a retooling phase? Or has this relationship run its course, and his return has never been higher?
Let's talk about it.
Buch has been on fire
With five goals and three assists for eight points over his last five games, including the game-winning goal against Minnesota on Sunday night, Buchnevich has been on fire lately. Now at 14 goals and 24 assists on the year for 38 points, it might be time to start thinking about how much the Blues could get in return from a buyer.
A lot of teams are going to be looking for a big forward like Buchnevich, especially if they are trying to make a deep playoff run. His price tag at $8 million AAV is a hard hit here, plus, much like the rest of the core pieces on this team, he has a No-Trade Clause attached to his deal. He would have to waive it in order for General Manager Doug Armstrong to move him.
A fresh start, again
Buchnevich is seemingly going through the same thing that happened in New York, all over again. He was drafted by the Rangers with the anticipation that he was the next big first-line winger that they needed to make legendary playoff runs. But, it ultimately did not work out as the pressure of the Original Six franchise and the extremely high expectations of New York sports fans got to him.
Then he was moved to St. Louis, and the fresh start gave him the best season of his career in 2021-22, with a 76-point season. It seemed like his place with the Blues was a match made in heaven, but as the years have gone on, that bit of destiny is fading fast. His point totals have seriously diminished with each passing season, with the 2025-26 campaign being the worst thus far.
Buchnevich could use another fresh start, and the Blues can obviously move on without him. There is no indication as to what direction Armstrong will push this team into following the Trade Deadline on Friday, and getting the biggest return for No. 89 is only possible right now. His value has never been higher, and the Blues should use that to their advantage.
If this is it for Buchnevich, what a ride it has been. He already collected a nice bag of cash with this current contract, and now, he could potentially be chasing his first Stanley Cup, as long as he picks the right team and the Blues are ready to part ways with him. He is one of the more interesting players to watch as the Trade Deadline approaches quickly.