Blues Open for Business: Top Center Heading to a Contender?

The St. Louis Blues’ rocky start to the season is starting to reshape their roster strategy, and one name could be at the center of it: Brayden Schenn.

After 15 games, the 34-year-old forward has just two goals and six points, checking in with a league-worst -13 rating and an average ice time of 16:49 — his lowest in a decade. While the offensive numbers are down, Schenn’s reputation as a reliable top-six player with a long track record keeps his value intact, especially with only two years remaining on his $6.5 million cap hit.

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Frank Seravalli of Amazon Prime Canada’s Coast to Coast noted that Blues GM Doug Armstrong has been signaling to other front offices that he’s “open for business.” Seravalli adds that one name to keep an eye on is Brayden Schenn. He was almost moved last season at the trade deadline, but his no-trade clause kept him with the Blues. Now he’s got a 15-team no-trade, and Doug Armstrong is aggressive. He might not sit on his hands long.

With Armstrong traveling for duties with the Canadian national team and preparing to transition to president of hockey operations next season, it appears he’s willing to explore trades that could bolster the Blues’ long-term outlook.

Schenn, who was nearly moved at last season’s trade deadline, could finally be moved now with the Blues struggling as badly as they are. Their recent scratching of Jordan Kyrou was meant to send a message up and down the roster, and it doesn’t sink in; Armstrong won’t wait. He’ll look for a trade to give the Blues more flexibility, and Schenn will be popular around the league.

Expect a Contender to Step Up And Make a Pitch for Schenn

Contenders in need of a top-six scorer, including the Toronto Maple Leafs and New Jersey Devils, are expected to be in the mix if Armstrong continues down a retooling path. The Utah Mammoth might be a team to watch as well, as Chris Johnston recently speculated that they were looking to take a big swing this season.

Cap space will be a factor as Schenn makes $6.5 million per season, and the Blues won’t be interested in retaining salary to get a deal done.

Benchrates points out that while Schenn could provide 50+ points and 20+ goals, there is risk in his $6.5 million contract if his performance dips further. Still, with one year of his deal already burned off and a clearer trade market, this could be the perfect window for St. Louis to make a move.

Next: Must Watch: Mammoth to Be Aggressive Trade Buyer with Top-4 Target