Tkachuk Trade Talk... Again

On February 25th 2007, the Atlanta Thrashers made a move that they thought could land them a Stanley Cup in their fair city.  After acquiring Keith Tkachuk for three draft picks and Glen Metropolit, Atlanta General Manager Don Waddell saw his team fall in the playoffs after a 4-0 sweep to the New York Rangers.  Keith Tkachuk then re-signed with the St. Louis Blues, rejoining the rebuilding franchise that following summer.  Well it is February 2009, and we are hearing Tkachuk trade talks yet again.

“Walt,” as he is called by teammates and friends, still has not felt the joy of hoisting the Stanley Cup over his head in front of 20,000 screaming fans.  It is obvious to the near-38 year old that his days are numbered and he needs to think of his future, with his contract being up at the end of the season.  The Blues are still a few pieces away from winning the Stanley Cup, so Tkachuk knows that if he wants to win one before retirement, he will have to do it elsewhere.

“But honestly I don't know what I want to do," Tkachuk said. "That's a boring answer, but it's the truth. I do like it in St. Louis, but I would like to win a Stanley Cup, absolutely."

Recent reports from hockeybuzz.com analyst Rick Eklund suggest that the St. Louis fan-favorite may be heading to the Pittsburgh Penguins, who have not been enjoying a strong season.  With just a 24-22-5 record, Pittsburgh currently sits in tenth place in the Eastern Conference, although that is just two points outside of the last playoff berth.  Tkachuk could add a much-needed tough-presence in front of the opposing net, since the Penguins are currently ranked 24th in the league in power-play percentage.  Adding Tkachuk to the power-play umbrella would be a strong move for Pittsburgh, as it would allow more room for players like Crosby and Malkin to work the puck, and even more room for Sergei Gonchar to blast it from the point.  

Tkachuk has proven time and again that he can draw defenders off of the flashy players of the NHL.  Tkachuk was a mainstay on Pavol Demitra’s line in 2002-03, when they combined for 148 points for a great 1-2 punch in St. Louis.

Another option for Tkachuk would be the Boston Bruins.  Being the best team in the Eastern Conference this season, Boston is considered a top contender for the Cup in 2009.  Tkachuk could do the same thing for this squad that he could for Pittsburgh; loosen up the defenses for players like crafty Marc Savard and slick Blake Wheeler to take charge.  With a no-trade clause though, Tkachuk would need to accept the trade first before being shipped off.  With Boston being his hometown, this might be the best team for the Blues to negotiate with.

Since it would most likely be a deadline-deal, Tkachuk would only receive $940,000 from the team that would acquire him.  This means that most teams in the current playoff picture could afford the likes of the 6’2” power forward.

This deal would all depend on Tkachuk’s state of mind.  If he wants to finish the season as a Blue, that is his choice to make.  But it couldn’t hurt Larry Pleau to open the market and see what kind of offers he could get.