New Jersey Devils: 5 Alternative Trade Targets to Timo Meier

1. Pavel Buchnevich – St. Louis Blues

The St. Louis Blues got their firesale started a little early when they traded longtime star Vladimir Tarasenko to the New Jersey Devils (potentially) most hated rival, the New York Rangers. But, if their 19th-ranked prospect pool has anything to say about it, Tarasenko might not be the only Russian heading out of town.

In a previous deal with the New York Rangers, the Blues acquired ace Russian winger Pavel Buchnevich. Buchnevich isn’t quite the power forward Timo Meier is, but he makes sense for the Devils for a variety of reasons.

1. He’s on a team-friendly contract for the next two seasons (23-24 and 24-25)
2. He’s over six feet tall
3. The Devils have plenty of prospects that would be desirable for a rebuilder like the Blues
4. He’s coming off of a career year on a bad team, suggesting that he’s only at the tip of the iceberg in regards to his scoring potential

The two remaining years on the contract certainly won’t make the Blues rush to move Buchnevich, but a team like the Devils, who’ve made it known they covet term and team control, might give the Blues more value than they’ll get moving him later on.

The Devils should know that big wingers who can score, make plays, and defend won’t come cheap, but this is the reason they built up their draft picks and prospect pool. It’s time to dream bigger in Newark.