Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
St. Louis Blues castaway Pavel Buchnevich could be a high-upside reclamation project for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Pavel Buchnevich, who has been a key forward in the past few seasons for the St. Louis Blues, is a player who can find himself soon on the way out of the team, and it could open up teams to swoop in.
Buchnevich, who has spent the past five seasons in St. Louis, has been struggling early on with just six points in 14 games, and his $8M contract, in the first year of an extension, is becoming a question mark.
The St. Louis Blues are tied for last in the NHL with 10 points, currently having a 4-8-2 record in their first 14 games.
In a surprise, the leading scorer for St. Louis this season is Pius Suter with nine points, with their goaltending a massive low point, Jordan Binnington with a .859SV% and Joel Hofer with a .836%.Jordan Kyrou, who according to rumors is a healthy scratch, has eight points this season in 14 games. Brayden Schenn has just six points.
David Pagnotta’s Report Sheds Light on Buchnevich’s Situation
With the St. Louis Blues struggles this season, the trade rumors have begun early for the Blues.
According to David Pagnotta of ‘The Fourth Period’, while Buchnevich has a no-move clause, he’s heard his name in trade talks.
Some fans have gone as far as to say their former top-six forward should be traded, and no longer fits on the Blues roster.
The loss of confidence in Buchnevich, and the St. Louis Blues struggles, could open up the perfect scenario to create a move to a contender.
Why Toronto Should Be Paying Close Attention
The Toronto Maple Leafs are an obvious team with a hole in the top-six just waiting to be filled.
Pavel Buchnevich does have the question over his hefty contract, with six years remaining. The best case scenario is with a winner Buchnevich returning to his past form. At worst, they have a player declining signed long-term at $8M.
Craig Berube has a connection with Buchnevich, having coached the Russian back in St. Louis, he may be impactful in any Buchnevich deal.
For the Toronto Maple Leafs, they have a risky option in front of them, but Pavel Buchnevich may be the player the team has been looking for.
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Blues Fans Have Had Enough of Pavel Buchnevich, and the Maple Leafs Should Take Advantage
Should the Toronto Maple Leafs acquire Pavel Buchnevich?