In a recent article for The Athletic [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6845922/2025/12/19/blues-trade-board-big-names/], Jeremy Rutherford and Chris Johnston examined eight St. Louis Blues who could be traded by the Central Division club this season as they continue to struggle. One of the players discussed was forward Pavel Buchnevich. In the article, the San Jose Sharks were listed as a potential suitor for Buchnevich if he is made available. Yet, while Buchnevich is a solid top-six forward when playing at his best, acquiring him would be a big gamble for the Sharks or any other potential suitor. Buchnevich is having a down season for his standards in 2025-26, as he has recorded five goals, 17 points, and a minus-11 rating in 36 games. This is after he had 20 goals and 57 points in 76 games with the Blues during the 2024-25 and 63 points in 80 games for St. Louis in 2023-24. He also recorded over a point per game in 2021-22 (76 points in 73 games) and 2022-23 (26 goals and 67 points in 63 games). Buchnevich's contract is also a concern, as he has an $8 million cap hit until the end of the 2030-31 season. Thus, if the Sharks or any team were to bring him in, he would be a very long-term and expensive commitment for them. As a result of this, Rutherford noted that the Blues would likely need to retain some of Buchnevich's salary in a potential move and either add a sweetener or bring in another expensive contract. Yet, even in this scenario, Buchnevich's long-term deal and struggles this season might still be too much for the Sharks to ignore. Ultimately, if the Sharks want to add a top-six forward, there are far less risky potential trade targets out there than Buchnevich. Unless the 30-year-old forward regains his past form, the Sharks would probably be wise to explore their options elsewhere.
