Five Potential Destinations For Alex Pietrangelo
THN: Matt Larkin discusses some possible landing spots for the St. Louis Blues defenseman. Those prominently include Toronto and Edmonton for starters. Both are in dire need for blueliners but they are not the only teams in need of a top pairing defenseman.
Toronto can offer an enticing package but cannot really afford to pay Pietrangelo after this year. They can wait for him to recover from his hand injury. It is a classic win now move for them. Pittsburgh needed Pietrangelo yesterday considering the battle they are in for a playoff spot. They arguably may not have the pieces to pull off such a deal. Colorado possesses the pieces but do they have the motivation? Joe Sakic has played things close to the vest and does not want to risk a misstep. Edmonton, like Pittsburgh, has an urgent need for a Pietrangelo right now.
Then, there is Vegas. They have plenty of pieces as well but, like Toronto, have their own cap problems to sort out. Extensions kick in to players like Alex Tuch and William Karlsson. Working out a deal may prove to be more difficult than anticipated.
More Teams on Pietrangelo Hunt
SportsNet: Josh Beneteau remarks on more teams that could be in on the Alex Pietragenlo sweepstakes plus why or why not a deal may work. One of the more interesting teams is the Buffalo Sabres. The problem comes down to Rasmus Dahlin and the salary cap. Buffalo will have to commit too much money to afford him and Pietrangelo down the road.
The New York Islanders offer cap space but would Pietrangelo waive his NTC to go to Brooklyn/Long Island? It seems the arena situation might be a sticking point. Toronto and Vegas are mentioned again but cap concerns and trade packages may cause snags here. St. Louis may have to come down from what they originally demand. Colorado’s problem is twofold. One, they are in the division and two, Colorado may not be motivated to do a deal here.
Out of the packages listed, it appears that Toronto’s is the most enticing. They have a bevy of prospects and players to make something happen. Adding Lilegren and a higher round pick might be enough to said package.