The days leading up to the Entry Draft and the opening of free agency are arguably the busiest in the NHL's calendar year. Rumours are running rampant at this time of year and one of the teams to keep an eye on according to Frank Seravalli of DailyFaceoff is the St. Louis Blues.
Seravalli said that forward
Vladimir Tarasenko doesn't plan on rescinding his trade request and he would still like to move on from the Blues. He mentioned that the Carolina Hurricanes could be a team that may have interest in the six-time 30+ goal scorer.
"Unlike Jake DeBrusk, Tarasenko's trade request has never been rescinded. After the Blues questioned Tarasenko's commitment and character even though their own doctor botched two shoulder surgeries and left him exposed in the Expansion Draft, Tarasenko responded with the best season of his career. He was a force, led the team in scoring, yet was still only sixth among Blues forwards in ice time." Seravalli said.
He added, "Now, Tarasenko is one year away from free agency, and the benefit for the Blues is they can certainly get more for him this time around as a proven difference maker. He could be the game breaker the Hurricanes desire."
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Tarasenko, 30, had a very strong season, recording a career-high in points with 82 (34 goals, 48 assists), added 32 penalty minutes and was a plus-seven in 75 games
Seravalli also mentioned that the Blues are gauging interest in 31-year-old defenceman
Torey Krug. Krug has a no-trade clause and would need to waive it in order to facilitate a move, but Seravalli mentioned that it doesn't sound like Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong has approached him to do so.
"Blues GM Doug Armstrong has quietly explored the potential of moving Krug, whom he brought in two seasons ago on a $45 million deal. Most importantly: Krug has a full "no-trade" clause and can block a deal to any team, and to this point, it sounds as if he has not been approached about the possibility." Seravalli said.
Krug, a native of Livonia (Michigan), has five-years remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $6.5 million per season. In 64 games this season, Krug had 43 points (nine goals, 34 assists), 48 penalty minutes and was a plus-23.
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