I have no doubt they're interested on the hockey ops level. But at what trade cost? Does he wind up in arbitration this summer and a UFA next summer? Without knowing those things, it's hard to say if there's feasibility.
- bmeltzer

I like Trouba, but it would have to be a sign and trade. No way I'd give up what it would cost to get him without a guarantee of a deal in place.

uh ok cause Schenn, Maroon, and coach punchface won it
- 2Real

So why won't they win it again this year?

How many cup winners on St. Louis before Wed? People wanted Gudas' head because he had not matured, this year he did and we got rid of him. A soft team got softer and it makes no sense, plus it appears we just threw away a 5th rd pick. Not getting a good feeling about the new GM.
- jtb3rd

maybe he'll be so bad we'll win

So why won't they win it again this year?
- jmatchett383

cause simmonds will?

What stopped Simmonds from winning it with odds-on WC favorite Nashville last year?
- jmatchett383

Berube, Schenn, and Maroon!

How many cup winners on St. Louis before Wed? People wanted Gudas' head because he had not matured, this year he did and we got rid of him. A soft team got softer and it makes no sense, plus it appears we just threw away a 5th rd pick. Not getting a good feeling about the new GM.
- jtb3rd

He didn't get suspended and played really well in a sheltered role. Clearly, we just traded the current-day Nick Lidstrom.

Hope you're right about Trouba, but I can't see that being the case after this move. Why take on more salary to bring in a top 4 RH Dman if you had interest in, and thought you had a legit shot at Trouba.
- Big_E_88

Bc I see them moving ghost.

cause simmonds will?
- 2Real

Simmonds will have a hard time getting a contract over $2M.

Also, why won't Gudas win it this year? There's a bunch of former Flyers scattered across the NHL wgo haven't won a Cup...but this trade somehow guarantees that Gudas will?

Cry me a river. The flyers have no players with proven playoff success. They trade a 3rd pairing dman for a 2nd pairing dman and only have to retain 30% of gudas contract for 1 year so who cares? They needed a more stable veteran on this defense and this does just that. I think you must forget how everyone wanted Gudas's head 2 years ago.
- Richieattack18

How many Cup winners on the Blues before Wed.? People wanted Gudas' head 2 years ago because he had not matured, this year he did and we got rid of him. A soft team just got softer and it looks like just threw away a 5th round pick. No getting a good feeling about the new GM.

Berube, Schenn, and Maroon!
- PLindbergh31

I thought you were saying Berube and the Blues were a sure-fire loss for Game 7.

Simmonds will have a hard time getting a contract over $2M.

Also, why won't Gudas win it this year? There's a bunch of former Flyers scattered across the NHL wgo haven't won a Cup...but this trade somehow guarantees that Gudas will?
- jmatchett383

imagine if simmonds takes less to play with a team like WSH or STL

In my opinion, if he was interested in Trouba he would've already talked to Winnipeg. If he was in the hunt for Trouba, he doesn't make the Niskanen deal.
- MJL

You’re probably right. I think they move Ghost. Probably for Trouba.

uh ok cause Schenn, Maroon, and coach punchface won it
- 2Real

Scotty Bowman never won a Cup final game with the Blues, Berube takes the worst team in the NHL as of January 1 to a title. Can't make it up.

imagine if simmonds takes less to play with a team like WSH or STL
- 2Real

Then he'd be smart, if he's cool with a 4th line role.

I thought you were saying Berube and the Blues were a sure-fire loss for Game 7.
- jmatchett383

I thought they would lose. But being the Bruins didn't have any ex-Flyers on their roster, they were doomed.

I thought they would lose. But being the Bruins didn't have any ex-Flyers on their roster, they were doomed.
- PLindbergh31

"They aren't winning tonight."

"They aren't winning tonight."
- jmatchett383

Do you think the Blues vastly underachieved prior to Berube becoming interim coach?

I have no doubt they're interested on the hockey ops level. But at what trade cost? Does he wind up in arbitration this summer and a UFA next summer? Without knowing those things, it's hard to say if there's feasibility.
- bmeltzer

When I say that he isn't in their plans, it's because they kicked the can on it. If interested probably talked to Winnipeg and know the general cost. Both in terms of assets to acquire and future cap costs. Trouba has stated that he wants to be paid like #1 defenseman. I don't think they trade for Niskanen if they were in the hunt for Trouba.

This is where numbers have to be taken into context. I'm not sure how you can watch Gudas play and state that he drives play. He doesn't. Never has. What he does is take a lot of shots. That combined with the situations he plays in, elevates the numbers when he is on the ice. I don't see Washington re-signing him to a handsome contract, depending on what the definition of that is. He's a solid 4/5 defenseman in this league. Nothing more. Saying he drives play is the very definition of over-rating Gudas.
- MJL

"Drives play" has always been the most hilarious term used by the advanced stats idiots.

"Drives play" has always been the most hilarious term used by the advanced stats idiots.
- Aetherial

Anyone with a Corsi above say 52%, drives play! It's so overused by those who just can't grasp how to use the stats.

Do you think the Blues vastly underachieved prior to Berube becoming interim coach?
- PLindbergh31

Nope, I think he's a damn good coach and always has been.

What he did when taking over in 13/14 was remarkable.

Nope, I think he's a damn good coach and always has been.

What he did when taking over in 13/14 was remarkable.
- jmatchett383

fair enough. Can't argue with that based on what he just did.

Scotty Bowman never won a Cup final game with the Blues, Berube takes the worst team in the NHL as of January 1 to a title. Can't make it up.
- PLindbergh31

it's funny to think about this

it's funny to think about this
- 2Real

I actually find it sad as a fan. But good for St. Louis.

I thought they would lose. But being the Bruins didn't have any ex-Flyers on their roster, they were doomed.
- PLindbergh31

if only they kept rinaldo