Who says no

Anaheim likely does as someone else will very likely offers a 2024 1st

Armstrong. Taking the Goodrow contract is a first in itself. The rest of the package is fair if Buch were a rental but he isn't. Add another first to probably get serious consideration. Armstrong can just keep him and sell next season if he wants.

Depends on who you ask. For me, that Buch offer, while not without its own charm, is a firm no.

Just adding a deferred pick ain't gonna do the trick. The Blues are not Chicago. They want guys who can help now or at least sooner. Not some late 25 1st on top of the other two picks. Unless there's a silly high 24 1st involved, teams likely need to start with a legit top 4 young enough Dman/D prospect. The Rangers have multiple players who fit that description, so getting away without parting with one of them seems like a proper longshot. Even Goodrow would presumably be far more useful to the Blues through the primes of Thomas/Kyrou than a 25 1st would be.

Edit: Oops. Forgot NYR does not have a 25 1st anymore. Only makes my point twice as strong.

Appreciate the insight. I see the same thing with Pittsburgh wanting roster players for their own roster players. That's just not that common and top contenders like the Rangers aren't interested in lateral roster moves for another roster player. So it's always that balance of mismatches in interest. Just rare that teams have a surplus at a certain position that they can move.