With the Olympic trade freeze now lifted, the NHL rumor mill is back in full swing. Teams have just two weeks left to reshape their rosters ahead of the March 6 trade deadline.
That brings the focus to the St. Louis Blues and growing speculation surrounding their $65,000,000 star, who may be open to a move.
Blues Face Big Decision on Their $65,000,000 Star
The name drawing the most attention in St. Louis is Jordan Kyrou. He is in the third year of his eight-year, $65 million contract, which carries an $8.125 million annual cap. He also owns a full no-trade clause. Despite that protection, he has been at the center of speculation for much of the season.
The chatter intensified earlier this season when Kyrou was a healthy scratch during a 3-0 win over the Buffalo Sabres in November. He has also missed nine games with a lower-body injury, adding to what has been an up-and-down campaign. He has only registered 32 points in 47 games played this season.
MORE: What Happened to Sidney Crosby? Why Team Canada’s Captain Is Out of the Gold Medal Game
With the Blues sitting near the bottom of the standings, general manager Doug Armstrong is reportedly listening to offers on several veterans. And Kyrou’s name has surfaced more than once.
According to NHL insider David Pagnotta, Kyrou would be open to a change of scenery under the right circumstances. While his full no-trade clause gives him complete control, the report suggests he would be willing to waive it for the right fit.
What qualifies as the “right fit,” however, is where things get complicated.
Kyrou would likely prefer to join a contending team where he can slot into a top six role. The challenge? Most contenders already have their core pieces in place, and many are tight against the salary cap. Absorbing an $8.125 million cap hit is no small task, especially at the deadline.
That makes a deal before March 6 difficult, though not impossible. If nothing materializes now, discussions could easily carry over into the offseason, potentially picking up around the NHL Draft in Buffalo.
MORE: Oilers Star Connor McDavid Gets Consolation Prize in Thrilling Loss to USA
The biggest hurdle in any potential trade remains Kyrou’s contract. With five more seasons left at a significant cap number, only a select group of future contending teams would realistically be able and willing to make the math work.
If the Blues soften their asking price, a move could become more realistic. But as things stand, it’s far from a guarantee.
For now, all eyes remain on St. Louis as the Blues prepare to face the Seattle Kraken on Thursday, and as the clock ticks toward the trade deadline.
