It's been a long time coming mok... something's gotta give, you have to like SOMETHING I post
Why St. Louis does it:
Joel Hofer is ready to assume 1A duties, if not full-on starting duties for 2024-25. Trading Binnington frees up $6m in cap space. Kevin Bahl is an upgrade over fellow big boy Tyler Tucker, and is still just 24 years old, fitting in with their re-tool. The Blues go to the free agent market for their backup goalie. The strongest candidate to either back up or 1B with Hofer is Alex Nedeljkovic, 28 years old and primed to get a two or three year deal for the cause. Secondary candidates include Cam Talbot, Kevin Lankinen, Kaapo Kahkonen, Scott Wedgewood, Calvin Pickard, David Rittich and Anthony Stolarz. On top of the D swap and goalie move, the Blues receive New Jersey's 2025 1st round pick (I doubt they give up 2024's), and one of three picks the Devils have in the 2026 4th round. This enables them to continue adding additional pieces for the future, keeping the system strong, a la Jim Nill in Dallas.
Hofer -
Nedeljkovic
Leddy - Parayko
Krug - Kessel
Bahl - Faulk
Why New Jersey does it:
Obviously, they get an upgrade in net, hoping Binnington's play this year translates to further success with the Devils. He has won a Cup. Tucker replaces Bahl on the back end. The Devils may want to add a D-man in free agency still for depth behind Hughes and Siegenthaler on the left side. They do this without giving up one of their promising young forwards.
Binnington - Allen
Siegenthaler - Hamilton
Hughes - Nemec
Tucker/UFA signing - Marino
Don't just look at this on paper folks. The Blues should be ready to move on from Binnington, but shouldn't expect to get the world for him, as teams will still be slightly wary of his rage-fuelled past lol. Blues get cap savings and continue the youth movement without destroying their goaltending, while the Devils get the big fish without spending too much in assets.