3 Potential Destinations for Blues Trade Candidate Pavel Buchnevich

The St. Louis Blues are planning some major re-tooling this offseason after they missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season. Star forward Pavel Buchnevich was a hot name at the trade deadline back in March, and we're hearing that could be re-visited this summer.

The 29-year-old Russian winger has been nearly a point-per-game performer for the Blues over the past three seasons, with 206 points in 216 games, including another 27 goals and 63 points in 2023-24. And with a $5.8 million cap hit for one more season, he's a bargain for any team looking to add a serious boost to their offense. His trade value would be immense, with the Blues likely able to land a number of draft picks and/or prospects.

With that, we look at three teams that are suitors for Buchnevich:

Vancouver Canucks

There's word that the Canucks are interested, and Buchnevich's heavy, tenacious game would fit quite well for coach Rich Tocchet. This would be a far better road for Vancouver to go down than breaking the bank to try to retain Elias Lindholm at more than $7 million per season on a long-term deal. Sure, they'll have to address Buchnevich's expiring contract situation, but he is a far better offensive player at this point.

Carolina Hurricanes

With Jake Guentzel now likely headed out the door, either via a trade or in free agency, the Canes will need to replace that offense, and Buchnevich would be a pretty good facsimile. Carolina is also known to have some interest in trading for Buchnevich.

Seattle Kraken

If there's any team that needs to add offense, it's the Kraken. They finished 29th in goal-scoring in the NHL this past season. The team has a lack of top-end offensive players, and getting in on Buchnevich would be a great move.