The St. Louis Blues are looking to qualify for the post-season for the fourth consecutive season in 2021. The team is currently one point up on the Minnesota Wild and the Nashville Predators for the second playoff spot in the competitive Central Division. Guided by the play of their emerging young stars, winger Jordan Kyrou is currently leading the group with 22 goals and 38 assists in 57 games. Along with this, Robert Thomas has also chipped in 48 points.
They need to add a significant piece on the blue line if they hope to make a deep run in the spring. The franchise was reportedly in the mix for Montreal Canadiens defenseman Ben Chiarot before he was traded to the Florida Panthers. Furthermore, St Louis could also use added depth at center.
Make sure to check out all of our other NHL Trade Deadline Previews.
Current Status
Current Record: 34-18-9
Division Standings: Second in the Central
Buyers or Sellers: Buyers
Nick Leddy
The New York Islanders traded Leddy to the Detroit Red Wings last offseason. The 31-year-old is one of the top defensemen remaining after Josh Manson, Chiarot, Hampus Lindholm, and Mark Giordano were all moved. He is enjoying a strong year with the Red Wings in his 11th season in the league. The former first-round pick has recorded one goal and 15 assists in 55 contests while playing over 21 minutes per night.
Furthermore, he has amassed 31 blocks and 49 hits. Still capable of playing in all situations, he would be the perfect left-handed shot compliment to Colton Parayko on the Blue’s top pairing. Currently accounting for a 5.5 million dollar cap hit, acquiring the Eden Prairie, Minnesota native would require some salary maneuvering from general manager Doug Armstrong.
Andrew Copp
The Blues need added depth in their lineup. They also have a pressing need at the center ice position. A versatile piece with the ability to play all three forward spots, Copp has steadily improved over his eight years with the Winnipeg Jets. On pace to shatter his career highs this season, the 27-year-old has racked up 13 goals and 19 assists in 55 games. A big physical player, he is a reliable checker with the ability to play big minutes for any contending club.
Along with this, the Ann Arbor, Michigan native is also a good penalty killer. He leads the Jets this season in shorthanded ice time per game. Set to hit unrestricted free agent status at the end of the year, he currently counts for 4.25 million dollars against the cap after agreeing to terms on a one-year in arbitration last offseason.
Carson Soucy
The Seattle Kraken selected Soucy in the expansion draft last year. Formerly a draft pick of the Minnesota Wild, the 27-year-old would help sure up the Blue’s defensive depth as they look to load up for the postseason. Known for his physicality and ability to play in his own zone, the Viking, Alberta native is also a solid penalty killer. Improving his offensive game, he has amassed 14 points in 45 contests this season while playing a career-high 17 minutes per night. The former fifth-round pick is under cost control next season. He has one year remaining on his deal at just a 2.75 million dollar cap hit. Likely to cost a substantial price as other clubs call about his availability, multiple high-end picks should get the deal done.
Check us out on our socials:
Twitter: @PTSTNews and @TalkPrimeTime
Facebook Page: Prime Time Sports Talk
Join our Facebook Group: Prime Time Sports Talk
Instagram: @primetimesportstalk
Follow Chris Gallagher on Twitter @ChrisGally06
Main Image Credit: Embed from Getty Images
