Friedman reveals why Nylander-Pietrangelo trade fell through!

Since the start of the season, one that has been disastrous for the Blues, we can all understand why trade chatter is now picking up in St. Louis. In last week's 31 Thoughts column on Sportsnet, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported the Blues are “open for business,”claiming there were “few things they won't consider.”  

The Blues are certainly considering all of the options available, so much so that NHL insider Nick Kypreos previously linked the Toronto Maple Leafs to star blue liner Alex Pietrangelo. 

“I don’t think that Armstrong is shopping Pietrangelo, but that doesn’t keep teams from calling … and asking about him,” said Kypreos. “I believe one of those teams is the Toronto Maple Leafs. I think where that would have to start is if Toronto and (GM) Kyle Dubas get St. Louis to possibly bite on (Nikita) Zaitsev’s contract – which is owed another five years at $4.5 million. 

“If they can exchange right-handed defencemen, then there’s a chance you could put a package together maybe with a draft pick, a prospect, and then the likes of a young, fast player for St. Louis in the likes of (Kasperi) Kapanen or (Andreas) Johnsson.”

Now in his latest 31 Thoughts column on Sportsnet, Friedman on the comments made by his colleague and revealed why a trade for Pietrangelo, in return for none other than William Nylander fell through. According to Friedman, the Blues might have offered their captain in return for the then free agent prior to the deadline on Dec. 1st. 

"Nick Kypreos shook the masses last weekend, wondering on Headlines if Alex Pietrangelo would be a fit for Toronto. With a few more days to work off it, my guess is this: St. Louis put him in William Nylander discussions, but the Maple Leafs decided to keep the winger. I see two reasons. First, Nylander is six years younger. Second, they might not be able to fit Pietrangelo’s extension (he’s eligible in July) and would prefer someone with term in that particular trade. It doesn’t mean they can’t/won’t re-consider him in the future.

They are doing due diligence on defencemen. They’re not crazy about term, but may consider some length if the cap hit is small enough. The defenceman has trade protection, but if Novice-age teammate John Tavares can handle Toronto, no reason Pietrangelo can’t."

Why a trade for Pietrangelo might have fallen through the first time this season, it does not mean that Blues GM Doug Armstrong won't be tempted to try again. As Friedman states: "The biggest takeaway from all of this: The fact Pietrangelo’s name got out there indicates the Blues are willing to do it."