Pavel Buchnevich - St. Louis Blues
Predicted Landing Spot: Edmonton Oilers
Cap Hit: $5.8 Million
Years Remaining: Signed Through 2024-25
Rumors of unrest have emerged from the Edmonton Oilers locker room, which could precipitate substantial changes. Seemingly unhappy with his tertiary role on the team, Evander Kane is becoming a nuisance the Oilers would prefer to eliminate. The St. Louis Blues may happily oblige, offering Pavel Buchnevich in return.
Salary-wise, it's a near wash. Buchnevich's salary of $5.8 million comes in nearly $700K over Kane's annual hit, making it a palatable move for both teams.
Moreover, both players have comparable analytics profiles. Kane has a 53.2% expected goals-for rating, resulting in 21 goals and 35 points. Similarly, Buchnevich checks in at 50.5%, 24, and 48, respectively.
The Blues and Oilers are familiar trade partners, making several deals over the past few seasons. The most significant could come in 2024 if these teams pair up to move Buchnevich for Kane.
