Team: 2017-18 St. Louis Blues

Initial Creation Date: Jul. 31, 2017

Published: Jul. 31, 2017

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Trade happens at the trade deadline, where we have $14M in cap space so ignore the $77M cap hit, couldn't put Bergie on LTIR since the lineup is for the playoffs. Gunnar can be traded for those of you who see a problem with this. Trade is based on an idea of Willian_Cardoso in his Rebuilding (trading even Tavares) thread. He traded Tavares to Montreal for Galchenyuk, Juulsen, and two first round picks.

Fabbri has similar value to Galchenyuk, who has better offensive numbers but a lesser overall game. Juulsen and Schmaltz are comparable, although Juulsen probably has a higher ceiling, Thompson is a first round pick and has a very good chance to be an impact top 9 forward so has slightly better value than a 1st rd pick, 1st rd pick=1st rd pick. Might need to add a bit depending on how you view certain prospects.

Forward Lines:
1st line-I think splitting up Tavares and Tarasenko is better than putting them together and provides a 1-2 punch for our forward lines. Schwartz and Tarasenko have good chemistry and Staz is in a contract year. I also think Yeo's system gives more freedom to centers and Staz will produce more than in previous years.

2nd line-Could easily be considered the first line and provides a great 1-2 punch. Schenn and tavares provide scoring while Steen provides great two-way play. Either Tavares of Tarasenko will be on the ice against the other teams 2nd line for at least 10 minutes every game.

3rd line-shut-down line that also can provide great secondary scoring while playing against the other teams top lines. all three can play center and take faceoffs.

4th line-Should be a carousel with Brodziak, Paajarvi, Jaskin, Sanford, Bennett, Thorburn, and Sundqvist all rotating in and out of the lineup. I like the versatility and the different types of dynamics the fourth line can take on.

Defense:
1st pairing-Bouw and Petro keep doing what they do with Petro seeing an uptick in offensive numbers with the departure of Shattenkirk.

2nd pairing-Both Ed and Parayko keep growing and become one of the better 2nd pairings in the League. Parayko should also see an uptick in offense with the departure of Shatty and in increase in shooting percentage from 2% last year.

3rd pairing-Dunn thrives getting sheltered minutes alongside a defensive defenseman in Bortuzzo.


Other thoughts:
Would have to think this team would be a favorite to come out of the West and a strong contender for the cup. We have the futures to package for a game-breaking player like Tavares, I'd even be willing to add Kyrou if that's what it takes. Ultimately how far we go in the playoffs depends on how Allen does but if we see the Allen from the Minnesota series, I think we win the cup, although that's a lot to ask from an inconsistent goaltender.

With Stastny coming off the books and Gunnar likely gone after this season, we have the cap room to sign Tavares and Edmundson.

I know getting Tavares is a long shot but wanted to play around with the idea as I think the blues would be an ideal destination if he chooses not to resign with NYI.