The NHL Draft is not only a time for teams to acquire young talent but also a bustling period for trades. Last year alone, there were 14 trades in the NHL, and the 2022 Draft saw over 20 exchanges. As the 2024 Draft approaches, Doug Armstrong and the St. Louis Blues are gearing up with nine picks, including the 16th overall selection, ready to navigate the trade market.

Armstrong, no stranger to draft day deals, has a history of making impactful moves that have contributed to the Blues’ success, notably their 2019 Stanley Cup win. Let’s take a look at some of the most significant Draft Day trades the Blues have executed in the last 15 years.

2021: The Acquisition of Pavel Buchnevich

Prior to the 2021 NHL Draft, Armstrong shook things up by acquiring forward Pavel Buchnevich from the New York Rangers in exchange for Sammy Blais and a second-round pick in the 2022 draft. Buchnevich, who signed a lucrative four-year contract with the Blues, has been a key player, tallying 206 points in 216 games for the team. Meanwhile, Blais struggled with injuries and inconsistency in New York and was eventually traded back to St. Louis in a deal involving Vladimir Tarasenko and Niko Mikkola.

2017: Brayden Schenn Joins the Blues

In a trade that altered the course of the Blues’ future, Jori Lehtera and two first-round picks were sent to Philadelphia in exchange for Brayden Schenn. Schenn’s impact was immediate, with a stellar first season in St. Louis, culminating in a career-high 70 points and an All-Star Game appearance. Schenn played a pivotal role in the Blues’ 2019 Stanley Cup victory, earning himself an eight-year contract extension and the captaincy in the 2023-24 season.

Lehtera’s tenure with the Flyers was short-lived, while the draft picks traded to Philadelphia were used to select Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee, who have since become key players for the Flyers.