In a recent proposal put forth by Sportsnet analyst Pierre McGuire, there is talk of a potential prospect swap between the St. Louis Blues and the Montreal Canadiens involving Jimmy Snuggerud and Logan Mailloux. McGuire believes that this trade could benefit both teams based on their respective needs, but the question remains – is this a wise move to make?
Let’s break it down. The Blues are facing some uncertainty on defense with various question marks surrounding key players. While Colton Parayko has shown promise with a bounce-back season, Justin Faulk is looking to rebound from consecutive injury-ridden seasons. Additionally, Torey Krug’s potential absence due to arthritis in his ankle could leave a significant gap in the lineup. Despite the acquisition of veteran Ryan Suter, who is approaching 40 years of age, the Blues could benefit from a young, talented defender like Mailloux to bolster their blue line.
The potential trade would see Mailloux, a skilled skater and offensive threat, join the Blues. With an impressive track record in junior and the AHL, Mailloux has shown promise as a two-way defenseman, a position the Blues have been lacking since the departure of Alex Pietrangelo. His addition could significantly strengthen the defensive core in St. Louis.
On the other side of the equation, the Canadiens would gain Snuggerud, a sniper with strong passing abilities. While not known for his speed, Snuggerud’s defensive prowess and solid stick work make him a valuable asset on the ice. Despite choosing to return to the NCAA for another season, Snuggerud is considered NHL-ready and could provide a boost to the Canadiens’ offensive lineup.
With Montreal already having a surplus of defensemen, the trade of Mailloux could make sense in terms of balancing the roster and securing additional offensive talent. Snuggerud would join a prospect pool that includes promising forwards like Lane Hutson and Ivan Demidov, potentially forming a strong foundation for the team’s future success.
In conclusion, the proposed prospect swap between the Blues and Canadiens seems to make sense for both parties. The Blues would address their need for a young, skilled defenseman, while the Canadiens would add another offensive threat to their lineup. It’s a trade that addresses individual needs and could benefit both teams in the long run. Only time will tell if this proposed swap comes to fruition and if it proves to be a smart move for both organizations.