Brayden Schenn, captain of the St. Louis Blues, delivered an impressive performance in a recent game with three assists, arguably marking his best showing of the season. This stellar outing raises the question of whether he will draw interest from teams seeking to bolster their center depth as the trade deadline approaches.
While the focus has largely been on the Blues’ top assets, Robert Thomas and Colton Parayko, there are attractive trade options within the roster, including Schenn himself. As analysts continue to assess potential trade targets, names like Thomas and Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers are prominent. These factors could potentially overshadow Schenn, but as the 3 PM EST deadline looms, desperation from teams could lead to heightened interest and potentially overvalued offers for the veteran forward—a situation that could prompt Blues management to consider a deal.
TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger provided insight into Schenn’s future amidst rumors of a rebuild for the Blues. He suggested that Schenn, who is at a pivotal point in his career, may not want to endure the pains of a prolonged rebuilding phase. This urgency might make him a prime candidate for trade discussions, particularly in light of his strong performance that signals his capability to contribute effectively.
Despite the challenges this season, where Schenn has recorded 12 goals and 16 assists for a total of 28 points, he remains a player with significant experience and leadership qualities. However, with only two years remaining on his contract at an average annual value of $6.5 million, the timing for a potential title chase seems misaligned with the team’s trajectory.
The speculation continues around whether Schenn could be traded before the upcoming deadline or whether Blues management, led by incoming General Manager Alexander Steen, will decide to hang onto him until the offseason. Regardless of the outcome, Schenn’s recent play highlights that he can still perform at a high level, allowing for optimism about his potential next chapter, whether that be in St. Louis or with another team aiming for playoff success.