The St. Louis Blues and New York Rangers were expected to make major moves involving Robert Thomas, Jordan Kyrou, and Vincent Trocheck at the trade deadline. They could revisit those plans in the off-season.
The St. Louis Blues' activity in the trade market leading up to the March 6 deadline continues to stoke speculation about their off-season plans.
Topping the list is Robert Thomas, whose value as a first-line center drew plenty of interest in the trade market. However, Blues management received no offers that came close to convincing them to approach the 26-year-old about waiving his no-trade clause.
Thomas remains committed to the Blues. However, Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic speculated last week that they'll gauge his value in the off-season trade market. He also wondered what effect moving Thomas would have on young linemates Dylan Holloway and Jimmy Snuggerud.
Meanwhile, Daily Faceoff's Jeff Marek believes the Blues' moves this summer will depend on promising Dalibor Dvorsky's development as a second-line center.
If Dvorsky proves himself as a top-six forward, Marek wondered what effect that would have on veteran center Pius Suter's future in St. Louis. He's in the first season of a two-year contract with an average annual value of $4.125 million and lacks no-trade protection.
Marek also believes Jordan Kyrou will be available this summer. The 27-year-old right winger reportedly drew the interest of the New York Islanders, but they opted to acquire center Braydon Schenn from the Blues.
Marek wondered whether the Washington Capitals might be interested, as they continue to transition toward younger talent.
Like Thomas, Kyrou carries an average annual value of $8.125 million and a full no-trade clause.
Turning to the New York Rangers, Vincent Trocheck is another center who was a frequent subject of rumors leading up to the March 6 trade deadline. The 32-year-old wasn't moved because no club met the Rangers' high asking price.
Vincent Z. Mercogliano believes securing a suitable trade package for Trocheck will be an off-season priority for Rangers management. He indicated that sources claimed GM Chris Drury sought a top-six forward as the centerpiece of a package deal.
Mercogliano pointed out that moving Trocheck after July 1 will get a little easier, as his 12-team no-trade list drops to 10 teams. He said trade discussions involving defenseman Braden Schneider could carry over into the summer.
Alexis Lafreniere also remains a subject of interest in the Rangers' rumor mill. However, Mercogliano believes that they are reluctant to sell low on the 2020 first overall pick.
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