Aside from the Vladimir Tarasenko pipedream, the most likely member of the St. Louis Blues to be traded is the 24-year-old defenseman, Vince Dunn.
A restricted free agent this summer, Dunn's offensively preferred style of play from the blue line does not necessarily fit into his current team's offseason agenda. After suffering another first-round exit in the postseason, it is clear that St. Louis's group of defensemen needs to bring more size, physicality, and defensive discipline to the ice next season. Seen more as an offensive defenseman, Dunn fails to fit the bill.
With four of the Blues blueliners essentially etched in stone already (Faulk, Krug, Parayko, & Scandella), the organization really only has two spaces to add one of the aspects it's missing to rejoin the contenders next year. Even though his 20 points in 43 games deserve respect, Dunn does not mesh well with what the Blues need to accomplish.
Trade talks involving Dunn are far from new. Since the beginning of last season, his name found its way in and out of rumors all year long. When St. Louis decided to hold onto him at the deadline, some considered the Armstrong and the Blues might have had a change of heart. However, after Elliotte Friedman reported the asking price was a first-rounder, it may have been because St. Louis was demanding too much.
By all accounts, Dunn had an offensively productive campaign. He missed some time due to injury and healthy scratches, but his numbers showed signs of the 22-year-old player from 2018-19. Still, it is hard to fathom Dunn's value being as high as a first-round pick this offseason. For starters, there are better options out there for teams to commit that kind of capital towards. Secondly, any team looking to acquire Dunn is banking on the possibility that he is a consistent producer, which he has yet to prove.
As far as what kind of return the Blues will get for Dunn, it really depends. This organization does not feel like they are at a place where a rebuild is necessary. Although draft picks assist in providing a bit more depth to a farm system that needs it, they accomplish nothing for the present. Ideally, Armstrong would love to execute a "hockey trade" with Dunn involved. Maybe sending him to a team in exchange for a defenseman that fits more with what the Blues are looking for. Perhaps they can even package Dunn and a draft pick of their own to acquire a more substantial piece.
We have no idea what the market is for an unsigned RFA such as Vince Dunn. Per Friedman, teams are expressing interest. Unfortunately, that sheds little light on what they are willing to part with.
To be clear, St. Louis has no interest in simply giving him away. Whether he fits the current picture or not, Dunn still provides some value. The Blues will not just send him elsewhere for the sake of doing so. Extending him is not out of the question, but it's becoming clear that the Blues would prefer to deal him and address holes that held them back this past season.
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