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Golden Knights Trade Candidate Report: Pavel Buchnevich

With the Vegas Golden Knights reeling, they need to quickly make a move. Is Pavel Buchnevich the solution to their problems?

By Jacob Walters |
St. Louis Blues v Toronto Maple Leafs
St. Louis Blues v Toronto Maple Leafs / Claus Andersen/GettyImages
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Pavel Buchnevich has been one of the more popular trade deadline names to pop up. The winger has 24 goals and 24 assists this season, acting as a catalyst for the St. Louis Blues offense. The 28-year-old from Russia brings a playmaking acumen to a Vegas Golden Knights team needing some spark.

Of course, this wouldn't be the first time the Vegas Golden Knights and St. Louis Blues did business together. Last season, the Golden Knights acquired Ivan Barbashev from the Blues for Zach Dean. The result? A Stanley Cup in which the Russian aided Jack Eichel on the top line.

But will the Golden Knights see that same success with Pavel Buchnevich? What are some red flags that Vegas must watch out for? Here's a dive into what the Blues forward can offer.

1. Pavel Buchnevich's Scouting Report

St Louis Blues v Seattle Kraken
St Louis Blues v Seattle Kraken / Steph Chambers/GettyImages

Obviously, when you think of Pavel Buchnevich, you think of offense. The winger is fast and has great playmaking ability. Plus, he can be an asset on both sides of the special teams spectrum. Add a dash of finishing ability and a lethal shot and you have one Buchnevich.

The Russian forward isn't the best away from the puck, though. He's seen as more of an offensive talent, setting up incredible scoring opportunities. However, Buchnevich is improving as an all-around player, which will make him a viable asset for any situation.

Another plus to acquiring Pavel Buchnevich is he's under control for another year. The Blues winger would stay in Vegas for 2024-2025 if acquired. Granted, there's some concern with the cap hit, given that he's owed $5.8 million. However, it's worth taking a risk on a speedy offensive force like Buchnevich for the Vegas Golden Knights.

2. Who Else Wants Pavel Buchnevich?

Boston Bruins v St Louis Blues
Boston Bruins v St Louis Blues / Dilip Vishwanat/GettyImages

Rumor has it that the Edmonton Oilers have scouted Pavel Buchnevich as another potential forward. Edmonton has needed positional depth here for the longest time possible. Adding the Blues star would make the Oilers instant Stanley Cup contenders.

There's also talks of Buchnevich potentially going back to New York as a Ranger. The 28-year-old was drafted by the New York Rangers in the third round of the 2013 NHL Draft. A homecoming of sorts would make for a full-circle moment for the forward.

3. The Trade Proposal for Pavel Buchnevich

St Louis Blues v Vegas Golden Knights
St Louis Blues v Vegas Golden Knights / Ethan Miller/GettyImages

If the Vegas Golden Knights are looking to acquire Pavel Buchnevich, there's probably going to be a higher pick involved. What could be proposed is a second-round pick for the Russian. Given his lofty contract, some salary must be retained on the Blues behalf, although that might be a tough ask considering they're tight on cap space.

Vegas Golden Knights and St. Louis Blues

There hasn't been much to show the St. Louis Blues are willing to part with Buchnevich. After all, the 28-year-old does have a modified no-trade clause. Still, it might be worth calling up your old business partner if you're the Vegas Golden Knights. Desperate times call for desperate measures, with the chances of a Golden Knights repeat rapidly dwindling. McCrimmon would need to make a move before it's too late.

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