Brayden Schenn has been a cornerstone of the St. Louis Blues for years.
He’s worn a lot of hats in that time-All-Star, Stanley Cup champion, and now team captain in his third season with the “C.” Whether it’s throwing his weight around in a physical game or stepping up with a timely goal, Schenn’s game has always been about doing whatever it takes.
And now, as the NHL trade deadline creeps closer, the veteran forward could be on the move.
The Blues are in a bit of a transitional phase, and Schenn’s combination of leadership, grit, and two-way play makes him a valuable asset-one that contending teams are watching closely. Among those teams? The Vegas Golden Knights.
Why Vegas Is Interested
Let’s start with the Golden Knights. Their need at center is no secret.
William Karlsson, their dependable two-way pivot, has been out of the lineup since early November and remains on long-term injured reserve with no clear timeline for a return. That leaves a sizable hole down the middle-especially one that can’t be filled internally right now.
Vegas doesn’t just need a warm body at center; they need someone who can win faceoffs, play responsible defensive hockey, and chip in offensively. Schenn checks all those boxes.
Sure, his scoring is down this season, but his value goes beyond the stat sheet. He brings playoff pedigree, leadership, and a physical presence that fits right in with the Golden Knights’ identity.
What the Blues Might Want in Return
Looking at what the Blues could command in a deal, it’s helpful to revisit a trade that almost happened last season. St.
Louis reportedly had a deal lined up with the Toronto Maple Leafs that would’ve sent Schenn north in exchange for a package including Easton Cowan, Ben Danford, and a draft pick. That’s two of Toronto’s top prospects and a pick-clearly, the Blues were aiming high.
But that was then. This season, Schenn has just 19 points, which likely means a slightly more modest return.
Still, the Blues can expect something meaningful. A good starting point would be Vegas’s second-round pick in the upcoming draft-the highest pick they currently own.
That’s a reasonable ask for a player with Schenn’s experience and versatility.
Beyond the pick, the Blues would be wise to target young, controllable talent. One name that makes sense is Mateo Nobert.
He’s a forward with a knack for finding the back of the net, having posted multiple 20-goal seasons. He’s smart, sees the ice well, and plays with the kind of pace that fits the modern NHL.
He’s not a top-tier prospect like Cowan or Danford, but he’s the kind of player who could grow into a valuable piece of the Blues’ future.
Making the Cap Work
As always, trades in the NHL aren’t just about talent-they’re about cap space. Schenn carries a $6.5 million cap hit, and while Vegas has a little over $3.1 million in space, that’s not enough to take on the full salary. The Golden Knights would only be on the hook for a prorated portion of that deal based on how many games are left, but they’ll still need to free up space elsewhere.
One way to do that: include Keegan Kolesar in the deal. He’s on the books for $2.5 million annually through 2027-28.
For the Blues, Kolesar could provide some veteran depth and physicality. If he doesn’t fit into their long-term plans, he’s the kind of player they could flip in the offseason.
There’s also the looming return of Brayden McNabb from LTIR. Once he’s activated, his $3.65 million cap hit will count again, and Vegas won’t be able to stash him until the playoffs like they’ve done in the past. That makes it even more crucial for the Golden Knights to shed salary if they want to bring in a player like Schenn.
The Deal on the Table
So, here’s what a realistic trade could look like:
To Vegas:
- Brayden Schenn
To St. Louis:
- Keegan Kolesar
- 2026 second-round pick
- Mateo Nobert
From Vegas’s perspective, they get a proven playoff performer to help fill the void left by Karlsson. Schenn brings leadership, versatility, and the kind of edge that becomes even more valuable in the postseason.
For the Blues, this is about the future. They get a draft pick to add to their growing stockpile, a young forward with upside in Nobert, and a veteran in Kolesar who can either contribute or be used as a trade chip down the line. It’s not a blockbuster, but it’s a smart, calculated move for a team retooling on the fly.
If this is the end of Schenn’s run in St. Louis, it’s been a memorable one.
He’s worn the sweater with pride, helped deliver a Stanley Cup, and led with both his voice and his play. The Blues will have to figure out who wears the “C” next-but that’s a conversation for another day.