REPORT: Blues Want Meier, Willing to Trade 2 First-Rounders?

Here comes a new challenger for Timo Meier?

The St. Louis Blues are fishing around Trade Deadline target Meier, according to Frank Seravalli of the Daily Faceoff.

This might be a surprise, considering the Blues have just pawned off veteran stars Ryan O’Reilly and Vladimir Tarasenko, but as the insider noted, Blues GM Doug Armstrong is no stranger to retooling on the fly.

“Think back to the trades he’s done in recent years: Kevin Shattenkirk for a first-round pick, he then takes that pick and uses it to acquire Brayden Schenn in the summer. More recently than that, Paul Stastny moved at the deadline for a first-round pick, he then takes that pick in a package to get Ryan O’Reilly,” Seravalli wrote.

Armstrong acquired a 2023 first-round pick from the New York Rangers for Tarasenko and the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 2023 first-round pick for O’Reilly. Including his own, Armstrong is now armed with three 2023 first-round picks heading into the Mar. 3 Deadline.

San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier is believed to be looking for a first-rounder and more for pending RFA Meier.

SOURCE: Sharks Want 3 Pieces for Meier?

“I believe they’re open to moving two of their first-round picks as part of a potential trade offer for him,” Pierre LeBrun said of St. Louis’s interest in Meier.

Chances are, the Blues aren’t parting with their own, likely lottery-bound 2023 first-round selection, but the Maple Leafs’ first and the Tarasenko first (the latter of either the Rangers or the Dallas Stars’ picks). Toronto, New York, and Dallas are all probably headed to the playoffs.

If Armstrong was willing to offer the St. Louis first, it certainly would come with some protection, but how much?

The 26-year-old San Jose Sharks star could be a perfect fit with 20-something forwards Pavel Buchnevich, Jordan Kyrou, and Robert Thomas on a reloaded St. Louis squad. Both Seravalli and LeBrun believe that St. Louis sees Meier as a long-term addition.

Armstrong could also offer intriguing prospects like 2022 23rd-overall pick Jimmy Snuggerud, who’s arguably played his way this season up to being considered a Grade-A prospect, or 2020 first-rounder Jake Neighbours or 2021 first-rounder Zachary Bolduc or goalie Joel Hofer.

The New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes are still considered the favorites to land the San Jose Sharks winger. The Winnipeg Jets and Vegas Golden Knights are also rumored to be in the Meier derby.

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