Pavel Buchnevich, LW/RW, St. Louis Blues
If there's one player the Islanders would ideally acquire, it would be Pavel Buchnevich. The Russian forward is capable of playing all three positions, but would ideally fit on the Isles wing.
Buchnevich has been a point-per-game player since joining the Blues two years ago. He has 24 goals this season, on pace for a career-high.
What's next? Sources say #stlblues have signaled they're willing to "get creative" and retain up to half on Pavel Buchnevich in order to juice a return.
β Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) March 6, 2024
Trade Targets π― were decimated today. Don't worry, I've got a fresh Top 50.
Link: https://t.co/1ASlnPkexx pic.twitter.com/WWq3ZxVgl5
As it's well documented that Lamoriello doesn't like to trade assets for rentals, Buchnevich's contract runs through 2024-25, with a $5.8M cap hit. According to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, the Blues are willing to retain 50% of his contract if the right deal arises.
Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period has said that the Isles are willing to move on from Oliver Wahlstrom if they can acquire a winger with term. Of course, Wahlstrom isn't enough to acquire a point-per-game player, as a first-round pick and more would need to be included for St. Louis to consider an offer.
2 things from today's vid:
β David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) March 5, 2024
- #Isles have made Oliver Wahlstrom available. They want to add a controllable scorer, not a rental
- #GoSensGo continue to shop Vlad Tarasenko. I'm told contrary to reports, an extension is not a prerequisite to waiving his NTC https://t.co/DXJJxNnNXG
The Isles might not have what it takes to get a deal like this done, but Lamoriello making a move of this magnitude would greatly improve the Islanders' postseason chances over the next two seasons.