Welcome to the latest edition of the “Since 2000” series, where we take a deep dive into the most impactful trades made by the St. Louis Blues in the 21st century. Today, we are wrapping up our analysis by counting down the top five most influential trades that have shaped the Blues franchise over the years.
Let’s start off with a trade that may not be on every Blues fan’s radar – the acquisition of Eric Brewer from the Tampa Bay Lightning. In exchange, the Blues received a 2011 third-round pick and the rights to defenceman Brock Beukeboom. While Beukeboom may not have made a splash in the NHL, the draft pick the Blues received turned out to be a game-changer. With that pick, the Blues selected goaltender Jordan Binnington, who would go on to lead the team to a Stanley Cup victory in 2019. Binnington’s incredible performance in the playoffs, where he set a rookie record with 16 wins, solidified his place as a Blues legend. It’s ironic that Brewer, who was never a fan favorite, was traded for the player who would eventually become a Stanley Cup hero, showcasing just how impactful this trade was for the Blues.
Moving on to another significant trade, the Blues acquired a 2010 first-round pick from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for defenceman David Rundblad. That draft pick was used to select Vladimir Tarasenko, a player who has become a cornerstone of the Blues franchise. Tarasenko quickly established himself as an elite scorer in the league, earning four All-Star appearances and scoring over 30 goals in five consecutive seasons. His clutch performances in the playoffs, particularly during the Blues’ run to the Western Conference Final in 2016 and their Stanley Cup victory in 2019, cemented his legacy as one of the greatest Blues players of all time.
Despite facing some challenges, including injuries and a request for a trade, Tarasenko ultimately found his stride and had a strong bounce-back season in 2021-22, scoring 34 goals. Though he was eventually traded, his time with the Blues ended on a positive note, allowing fans to reflect fondly on his contributions to the team.
As we conclude our look at the top five most influential Blues trades since 2000, it’s clear that these deals have had a lasting impact on the franchise, shaping the team’s success and legacy for years to come. Stay tuned for more in-depth analysis of the Blues’ trade history in future editions of the “Since 2000” series.