The NHL rumor mill is abuzz with speculation about a potential blockbuster trade involving the St. Louis Blues and the Anaheim Ducks. According to insider Darren Dreger, a deal was in the works that would have seen a significant player movement between the two teams. This hypothetical trade raises intriguing questions about the future of both franchises.
A Trade to Boost Anaheim's Offense and Defense
Anaheim, fresh off their first playoff appearance in eight years, was looking to solidify their roster for a sustained run at the Stanley Cup. The proposed deal would have brought them two key players: Robert Thomas and Colton Parayko.
Thomas, a 27-year-old center, is a proven offensive threat. His addition would provide the Ducks with a dynamic scoring option, complementing their existing talent. Parayko, a 33-year-old defenseman, is a shutdown specialist with a towering presence. His ability to lock down top opposition players would be a significant upgrade to Anaheim's blue line, especially with John Carlson, Jacob Trouba, and Radko Gudas set to become free agents.
Blues' Reset and McTavish's Potential
For the Blues, this trade would have been a strategic move to reset their future. They would have acquired a young, talented center in Mason McTavish, who was selected third overall in the 2021 Draft. McTavish, at 23, had the potential to become a cornerstone of the Blues' rebuild, but it would have been a risky move, given his inconsistent performance thus far.
Additionally, the Blues would have addressed their defensive needs by acquiring Pavel Mintyukov, a top-10 pick from the 2022 Draft. Mintyukov, despite a so-so year in Anaheim, carried high expectations and could have been a key contributor in St. Louis.
The Uncertainty of McQueen's Role
The deal also included Roger McQueen, a 19-year-old center who was the Blues' No. 10 overall pick last year. McQueen, a 6'5
