Blues Winger Pavel Buchnevich Suspended From Team by Drew Bannister
As we approach the NHL trade deadline, one player who deserves attention for multiple reasons is St. Louis Blues forward Pavel Buchnevich.
Despite the Blues not dominating headlines this season, they remain firmly in the playoff mix in the Western Conference, and Buchnevich has played a pivotal role in their success. Currently second in team scoring with 40 points, he trails only Robert Thomas. Buchnevich is also tied for the team lead in goals with 17, alongside Thomas and rookie Jake Neighbours. If the Blues secure a postseason berth, Buchnevich will undoubtedly be credited for his contributions.
Buchnevich is under contract for another year beyond this season with a $5.8 million cap hit, which presents a challenge for most teams seeking to acquire him this year. This factor complicates the Blues’ ability to move him, despite rumored interest from Blues GM Doug Armstrong in exploring potential deals, as reported by Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli.
Standing at 6’1″ and weighing nearly 200 pounds, Buchnevich possesses both size and skill. His impressive scoring rate of nearly a point per game makes him an enticing target for serious Stanley Cup contenders aiming to bolster their roster for a deep playoff run.
Given Buchnevich’s talent level, there is no shortage of potential suitors across the NHL eager to acquire him. Let’s delve into a few potential destinations to fuel the trade discussion.
One team that could benefit from Buchnevich’s scoring prowess is the Boston Bruins. With a strong core and aspirations of playoff success, the Bruins could use an additional offensive threat to complement their star players like Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron. Buchnevich’s ability to contribute immediately could make him an appealing target for Boston.
Similarly, the Edmonton Oilers might also be interested in Buchnevich. The Oilers boast two of the game’s elite talents in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl but could use more scoring depth to support their star duo. Buchnevich’s offensive capabilities could provide a valuable boost to Edmonton’s postseason ambitions.
Another intriguing destination could be the Vegas Golden Knights. As perennial contenders in the Western Conference, the Golden Knights are always looking to strengthen their roster for a deep playoff run. Adding Buchnevich to their lineup could provide valuable secondary scoring behind their top forwards like Max Pacioretty and Jonathan Marchessault.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are another team that could be in the mix for Buchnevich. Despite their offensive firepower led by Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, the Maple Leafs have struggled in recent postseasons. Acquiring Buchnevich could provide Toronto with a versatile forward capable of making an impact in crucial playoff moments.
In the Central Division, the Colorado Avalanche could emerge as a potential suitor for Buchnevich. With aspirations of winning the Stanley Cup, the Avalanche boast one of the league’s most dynamic offenses led by Nathan MacKinnon. Adding Buchnevich to their forward group could make Colorado even more formidable in the postseason.
Looking to the Eastern Conference, the Florida Panthers could also be interested in Buchnevich. With a talented roster featuring Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau, the Panthers are poised for playoff success. Buchnevich’s scoring ability could provide valuable support to Florida’s already potent offense.
The Carolina Hurricanes, known for their aggressive style of play, could also pursue Buchnevich to bolster their forward group. With a deep and talented roster, the Hurricanes are focused on making a deep playoff run, and Buchnevich could fit seamlessly into their lineup.
The Calgary Flames, in the Pacific Division, could potentially be interested in the scoring ability of Buchnevich. The team currently has a solid defensive core, led by Mark Giordano and Jacob Markstrom, and is looking to add some offensive firepower to their roster in order to enhance their chances of competing in the postseason. Buchnevich’s impressive skills could be a great complement to Calgary’s existing lineup.
Another potential destination in the Western Conference is the Seattle Kraken. As an expansion team, the Kraken are eager to build a competitive roster capable of making a playoff push. Acquiring Buchnevich could provide Seattle with a proven scorer to anchor their forward group.
Overall, Buchnevich’s combination of size, skill, and scoring ability makes him an attractive target for teams aiming to strengthen their roster for a playoff run. As the trade deadline approaches, the interest in Buchnevich is expected to intensify, with numerous teams vying for his services. It remains to be seen which team will ultimately secure a deal for the talented forward, but one thing is certain—Buchnevich’s impact could be significant for any team fortunate enough to acquire him.