Three ways the Tarasenko trade will impact the trade market

On Thursday afternoon, Vladimir Tarasenko was dealt by the Blues to the Rangers in a pre-deadline blockbuster deal. The return to the Blues was Sammy Blais, a prospect and draft capital. The Rangers were quick to get a deal done, not only to acquire big talent, but to get ahead of, and set, the trade market.

Shockwaves were felt around the league, most notably on the Chicago Blackhawks, who have been trying to trade their aging stars like Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. It sounded like the Rangers were in on Kane. However, they bowed out after acquiring the Blues scorer.

Here are three ways that the trade market could be affected by the Vladimir Tarasenko trade

1- The price for a star

Tarasenko was one of the hottest names on the trade market because of his elite puck possession and score-creating ability. The names still remaining are just as notable. Timo Meier and Patrick Kane could both catch similar trade packages.

The Blues acquired a substantial package in return, but nothing that broke the bank for the Rangers. Another important aspect of the trade was the Blues’ retaining 50% of Tarasenko’s salary. Any time making a deal with the Blackhawks will need this to happen due to their two stars' massive contracts.

2- High value of draft picks

Arguably the most valuable aspect of the return for the Blues-Rangers trade was the first-round pick, not the prospect, nor the player in Sammy Blais. In years past, first-round picks haven’t been as valuable compared to sports like basketball or football. A team can usually separate themselves from a first-round pick if it means a decent player in return.

Since the Blues valued the Rangers first-round pick so highly, it could mean that packages for bigger stars could be more come draft day.

3- Rental returns

One key aspect of the Blues-Rangers trade is the cap flexibility a player like Sammy Blais can provide for the Blues in the return. Blais’ 1.125 M contract fits easily under the cap. However, the best aspect is that the Blues and Blais won’t be tied long-term, as his contract expires after this season.

Teams that are on the cusp of the playoff picture could look into creating cap flexibility in acquiring players in the last year of their deal.