The National Hockey League's trade speculation machine has shifted into high gear, with St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn finding himself at the center of swirling rumors. The catalyst for this chatter is the team's profoundly disappointing start to the season, which saw them languishing at the bottom of the league standings by mid-November.
Pressure Mounts in St. Louis
This poor performance has intensified the pressure on Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong to consider significant roster changes. According to multiple reports from trusted insiders, Armstrong has signaled that he is "open for business," a clear indication that no player is necessarily safe from a potential trade. This environment has led hockey analysts to seriously question whether the era of veteran centerman Brayden Schenn in St. Louis is approaching its conclusion.
The reports, notably from Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic and renowned insider Frank Seravalli, suggest that Schenn represents a highly valuable trade asset. At 34 years old, his combination of extensive experience, physical style of play, and reliable two-way performance makes him an attractive target for contending teams. These are precisely the qualities playoff-bound clubs seek to add for stability and depth, especially in the critical center ice position.
Adding a layer of complexity to any potential deal is Schenn's contract. His current agreement runs through the 2027-28 season and carries a significant salary cap hit of $6.5 million. Any team interested in acquiring him would need to have the financial flexibility to accommodate this long-term commitment.
Parallel Rumors in Calgary
In a parallel narrative unfolding in Western Canada, Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames is also seeing his name frequently mentioned in trade conversations. This persists despite the Flames' management publicly stating they see no compelling reason to trade the 35-year-old offensive player, who maintains a strong reputation within the organization.
TSN's Darren Dreger has reported that the Flames' front office is inclined to retain Kadri, valuing his role as a primary leader and his determined attitude in helping the team navigate a recovery phase this season. However, the rumor mill continues to turn, identifying several teams as potential landing spots should a trade materialize.
Sportsnet analysts Adam Vingan and Nick Kypreos have pointed to the Vancouver Canucks, Montreal Canadiens, and Detroit Red Wings as the most likely suitors for a player of Kadri's caliber. An additional complicating factor is the widespread belief that the Carolina Hurricanes are on Kadri's no-trade list, giving him control over a potential move to one specific contender.
A Reflection of a Larger NHL Trend
The situations surrounding both Schenn and Kadri are emblematic of a broader uncertainty that often surrounds aging star players on teams experiencing difficult periods. Their careers are under the microscope, and their futures are subjects of intense debate.
If the management in St. Louis and Calgary ultimately decides that a fundamental change of direction is necessary, the trade market could become exceptionally active. The potential movement of established veterans like Brayden Schenn and Nazem Kadri could very well trigger one of the most significant midseason shakeups the NHL has seen in recent years, reshaping the playoff landscape and setting the tone for the league's future.
