A trade for Pavel Buchnevich would warrant yet another blockbuster move
Steve Yzerman has a reputation for exciting the NHL universe with huge trades, and a big name like Pavel Buchnevich would be one forward he would bring to the Motor City in seconds if he finds a way to work out a deal. Like Vatrano, Buchnevich would be one expensive addition, but if Yzerman offers the right compensation, Detroit would have the 28-year-old for at least one full season.
He would cost more in cap space than Vatrano, but not to the extent that the Red Wings would need to move a vast number of players just to create space. Also, like Vatrano, Buchnevich can produce, with 24 goals and 48 points through 60 games this season, and it’s also worth pointing out that he’s found the net seven times on the power play.
Much like Dylan Larkin, Buchnevich has a respectable defensive game, and he has been stealing pucks more often than not this season with 38 takeaways so far. He won’t finish many checks or block many shots, but Buchnevich is valuable on the penalty kill to the extent that the St. Louis Blues have scored four shorthanded goals when he’s on the ice.
He would also be a prime skater for the Red Wings in transition should Yzerman work out a trade, thanks to his 52.5 Corsi For, which is a career-best despite an offensive zone starting percentage of 49.0. His xGF of 42.3 is also zeroing in on a career-high, which he snagged two seasons ago at 52.8.