The St. Louis Blues' acquisition of Pavel Buchnevich in July 2021 sent ripples through the NHL. Looking back at this trade, its impact on the Blues, and Buchnevich's performance, it's clear that the move has been a complex but largely positive one for the team.
In July 2021, the Blues acquired Buchnevich from the New York Rangers in exchange for Sammy Blais and a second-round pick. At the time, the move was viewed as a significant upgrade for the Blues' offensive capabilities. Buchnevich, then 26, was coming off a strong season with the Rangers and was seen as a player with untapped potential. He was expected to bring a scoring punch and playmaking ability to St. Louis, which the team desperately needed.
Buchnevich quickly became an integral part of the Blues' roster. In his first season with the team, he scored 30 goals and 76 points, both career highs. His scoring touch and playmaking ability provided a significant boost to the Blues' offense. He demonstrated consistency and reliability, becoming a key player in the top-six forward group. Over the past three seasons, Buchnevich has consistently ranked among the team's top scorers, proving his value as an offensive weapon. In 216 regular-season games with the Blues, he ranks third in points (206), second in goals (83), and second in assists (123).
However, his goal and point totals have decreased each season since that initial high. In the 2024-25 season, Buchnevich recorded 20 goals and 57 points. While still a solid contribution, it raised questions about his consistency and whether he could maintain his initial high level of production. Some analysts pointed to his deployment as a center as a potential factor in his decreased numbers, while others suggested that younger players like Dylan Holloway and Jake Neighbours were poised to surpass him in productivity. Despite these concerns, Buchnevich's average ice time remained high, indicating his continued importance to the team.
Recently, there have been discussions and rumors surrounding Buchnevich's future with the Blues. Given the Blues' current position as a middling team aiming to retool their roster, General Manager Doug Armstrong may consider trading Buchnevich to acquire assets or address other needs. As of July 1st, Buchnevich has a full no-trade clause until 2029, which complicates any potential trade. Overcoming this hurdle would require convincing Buchnevich to waive his no-trade clause, which may be challenging.
Financially, Buchnevich's $8 million AAV contract, which began in the 2025-26 season, presents both an opportunity and a challenge. While the rising salary cap could make his contract more palatable in the coming years, his age (30) and the contract's length (six years) mean that his performance could decline by the end of the term. This financial aspect adds another layer of complexity to any potential trade discussions.
Despite the trade rumors, Buchnevich remains a respected and liked player in the Blues' locker room. He provides a steady, reliable presence and contributes consistently on the ice. Even if his scoring pace has slowed, his overall performance and experience make him a valuable asset. Ultimately, whether the Blues decide to keep or trade Buchnevich will depend on their long-term vision and the potential return they could receive in a trade.
