In the realm of hockey speculation, the PHR Mailbag offers a fascinating glimpse into the strategic considerations of general managers. The question of whether the Blues should trade Jordan Binnington and Jordan Kyrou, and the potential return they could get, is a complex one. Personally, I think that the Blues should indeed consider trading these players, but not together. More teams would be interested in Kyrou, which could potentially increase the number of suitors. However, the return would depend on the Blues' goals, whether it's rebuilding, retooling, or making the playoffs. If they're aiming for a quick playoff push, a goalie and a second-round prospect or draft pick could be the return, with the Blues retaining Binnington's $6MM salary to sweeten the deal. This strategy could be a win-win, providing the Blues with a strong return while also addressing their goaltending needs. What makes this particularly intriguing is the potential for a short-term win-win scenario, which could be a smart move for a team looking to maximize its assets. In my opinion, the Blues should take advantage of the interest in Kyrou and Binnington, but not together, and should be open to retaining salary to generate a strong return. This approach could set the stage for a successful off-season, providing the Blues with the resources they need to make a push for the playoffs. The question of Colton Parayko's future is also an interesting one, with the Blues needing to decide whether to trade him for asset maximization or keep him for short-term depth. The answer lies in the Blues' long-term goals and their willingness to sacrifice short-term wins for future success. The Canadiens, on the other hand, are in a different situation, with a need for size in their bottom six, a second-line center, and an upgrade on the right-side defense. The question of whether they can offer an attractive package for Alex Tuch is an intriguing one, with the Kraken willing to pay a significant amount for the forward. However, the Canadiens' salary cap constraints and the potential for other teams to offer similar money and a better chance at winning in the short term make it unlikely that they will be able to land Tuch. The Sharks and Rangers trade proposal is an interesting one, with the Sharks receiving a 5th overall pick, a 26th overall pick, and Braden Schneider, while the Rangers receive the 2nd overall pick. For the Rangers, this trade makes sense as they need a franchise-type player and are willing to move up in the draft to get one. However, for the Sharks, this trade is less appealing as they already have a stockpile of picks and prospects, and Schneider may not be a core piece. The Maple Leafs' offer for Matthew Knies and their 1st round pick is an intriguing one, but it's unlikely that they will make the trade as they are not looking to rebuild and are instead focused on making the playoffs next season. The Blackhawks' decision to keep Ilya Mikheyev at the trade deadline and their attempts to re-sign him are also an interesting development, with the NHL's tampering rules adding an extra layer of complexity to the situation. Overall, the PHR Mailbag offers a fascinating insight into the strategic considerations of general managers, with each team facing its own unique challenges and opportunities in the off-season. It's a reminder that every move has consequences, and that the success of a team often depends on the ability of its general manager to make smart, strategic decisions.
