NHL Rumor Mill – October 23, 2021
Could Vladimir Tarasenko spend the season with the Blues? What’s the latest on Dylan Strome? Find out in today’s NHL rumor mill.
THE ATHLETIC: In his recent season predictions for the St. Louis Blues, Jeremy Rutherford expects Vladimir Tarasenko will spend the entire season with the club. The 29-year-old right winger sought a trade during the offseason due to his unhappiness over two shoulder surgeries performed by team doctors and his subsequent treatment by their medical staff.
St. Louis Blues winger Vladimir Tarasenko (NHL Images).
Rutherford questioned whether the Blues would trade Tarasenko if he got off to a great start. That could result in general manager Doug Armstrong getting some legitimate offers, but moving him could also affect the production of linemate Robert Thomas.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tarasenko’s performance will be a factor, but his $7.5 million annual average value ($9.5 million in actual salary for this season) through 2022-23 is another reason why he probably won’t be moved this season.
A Tarasenko trade (if it happens) takes place next summer. That’s when there will be teams with more cap space and a willingness to invest in an established scoring winger with just one season left on his contract at a lower actual salary.
Rutherford also predicted Armstrong could bring in a goaltender from outside their organization. He doesn’t see how they get through an 82-game season with the current tandem of Jordan Binnington and Ville Husso without any injuries or a slip in performance.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Something to keep an eye on as the season progresses. There’s no need to make that move right now.
NBC SPORTS CHICAGO: Charlie Roumeliotis yesterday observed scouts/representatives from 15 different NHL clubs attended Thursday’s game between the Chicago Blackhawks and Vancouver Canucks at the United Center. “Anaheim, Arizona, Boston, Buffalo, Calgary, Florida, Minnesota, Montreal, Nashville, N.Y. Islanders, Pittsburgh, Seattle, Tampa Bay (2) and Winnipeg.” Center Dylan Strome, the subject of recent trade speculation, played his first game of the season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of those clubs were there simply to scout the performances of both clubs for upcoming games. The Blackhawks face the Coyotes, Flames, Predators, Islanders, Penguins, Kraken, and Jets in the coming weeks. The Canucks will soon face off with the Kraken, Predators, Ducks, Jets and Canadiens. Still. some were probably checking out Strome.
Boston scouts in CHI and they don’t play them anytime soon.
They lack good prospects at C.
So maybe looking at Strome?
He won’t play in BOS either if he doesn’t compete all over the ice and play the right way.
If he comes cheap, I suppose as low risk, but at 24 and still hasn’t got it, not sure he will.
Ray
Ryan took longer to bring it together. Players need the right situation and coach sometimes
Most D don’t figure it out until 24, he deserves another good shot
Ya Flow, C is a tough position to play as well.
As long as the cost isn’t high, worth a shot.
All depends on the cost IMO.
They were either looking at Strome or to watch the Hawks try to set another franchise record for the longest losing streak to start there season.
Glad to see that Ottawa had no representative there.
George, would you like his crochet?
*brother*. Jeez.
I wonder if St. Louis would have an interest in Korpisalo. When given regular work, he is a #1 goalie and Binnington is looking more and more like Steve Mason.
Perhaps more like Cam Ward? I don’t recall Steve Mason ever backstopping a Cup run..
Also happens to be that both Ward and Binnington stepped up in their first NHL seasons to do it!
I remember watching the Canadian Jr team play an exhibition game game against the Russians in Calgary. Both Marner and Strom were playing. I had never seen them play live before but was totally impressed with Marner who was vastly the best player on the ice. Strom on the other hand I could not believe how bad he was. Very slow never around the puck. I couldn’t figure out what the scouts were seeing in him especially since he was drafted ahead of Marner.
Personally I don’t think Strom is a bust he was just ranked way to high at best a borderline NHLer. Seems like that assessment is coming true.
If I was any of the teams looking at him I wouldn’t waste my time.
On another note sometime you need a bit of luck in the draft because if Arizona would have picked Marner instead of Strom how different would the leafs be.
Funny you say that because around here at the time the self anointed Leafs-know-it-all’s went on and on ridiculing fans and team of that poor choice…much like they did with how they succumbed to Nylander terrible contract and is still talked about as a player to be traded. Ahhh such good banter.