To me, it's a question worth finding the answer to - but that's not to say it isn't extremely risky. Chucky has already gotten "fresh starts" with teams less structured/defensive than STL so there's not a huge chance that his all-around game improves with us... but, if he does improve, we're adding a nice shooting/PP threat PLUS freeing up 1.5 million against next year's cap. Every dollar is going to count next year, and IMO we will have a few solid, cheaper replacements for Sanford. On the other hand, if Galchenyuk doesn't improve, it would be hard to hide him in our lineup... maybe it could be a trial and trade before the TDL (similar to Tanner Pearson from LAK -> PIT -> VAN all in one season).

That's my thought. We know he has the ability to score but struggles in a defensive system. My thought is David Perron. He was a guy who always struggled in defensive systems but ever since Berube took over Perron has been arguably the most improved player. In my opinion, it's worth the gamble. Who knows, if it doesn't work then like you said, maybe the Blues could even flip him for someone else (like Kreider) and throw in another pick.

If the price is small, sure but I don't think any team can "fix" him.

Why do you think he is broken - is it effort/attitude, hockey sense, playing wing? Or some combo of those?

A little bit of all of the above? I fear he suffers from the same thing that Yakupov had but too a lesser extent. I thought maybe Yakupov was the bad apple and Galchenyuk wasn't but they were like two peas in a pod those two.

Tons of offensive skill, nothing between the ears.

Its ok when you are youngster and still learning but the minute you pass that age into full time "pro", you just look like an (___insert something funny to end my example here_____)

I think he’s just bad at hockey

I would never cite draft pedigree in evaluating a player, but you'd have to think there is some raw talent there when the guy goes 3rd overall. If you can tap into that talent, it could be worth a shot. But the fact that we've said this for years about Chucky makes it all very suspect. I can see the perspective that STL is in no position to take on reclamation projects though.

I think he has something there. He needs to reinvent himself which can happen. Nichushkin is a perfect example in Colorado. He's not the guy Dallas drafted him to be, but he found a way to make it in the NHL under Bednar.

No, he's really good at playing hockey. Being a top 10 pick and scoring 100+ goals in his career is good. He's got all the skill but no brains. He doesn't see the game and understand it as good as some people. No hockey sense.

Sure there may have been something there at some point, but I don’t know if he has it anymore. I honestly don’t think he plays over anyone in our current lineup and certainly won’t play over anyone when Blais/Tarasenko get back

I think he could play over de la Rose. All I'm saying is Blues probably need someone who could play on that line with O'Reilly. Sanford is worse than Galchenyuk. Why not see what he's got? Hell you might not even need to give up a pick for him since Pittsburgh needs the cap space.

I’d rather pay for Toffoli or Kreider, I have no belief in chucky

Regardless of what we all think, I don't see Army and Chief getting together and going after Chucky so it's all just hypothetical.

Exactly. And make no mistake, Kreider is the guy I want if we are going to make a move for a forward. I just thought a potential cheaper option could be Chucky.

Huge no thanks. The best thing about Chuk when he's on is power play points. We are fine in this department without headache. At best, he's a 20g-30a man with monstrous defensive liabilities at evens. Naaah.