4 trade destinations for St. Louis Blues winger Vladimir Tarasenko

3. Vladimir Tarasenko trade fits: Calgary Flames

The Flames have either missed the playoffs or lost in the first round in four straight seasons. General manager Brad Treliving is firmly on the hot seat, so he’s likely willing to entertain some major moves this offseason to shake things up. It’s possible no one is untouchable if the right deal is out there, including Matthew Tkachuk.

If the Flames are hesitant to pay Tkachuk long-term, there’s speculation out he would want out with a preference to be traded to the Blues. His father Keith played a big chunk of his career for the Blues where Matthew spent his youth in St. Louis. The question may simply be the timeline for the younger Tkachuk to end up in St. Louis.

Shane O’Brien of Sportsnet and the Steve Kouleas Powerplay Podcast instantly pointed to Tarasenko as a player the Blues would send to Calgary for Tkachuk. But it would take more than just Tarasenko to get that deal done considering the six-year age gap, Tarasenko’s injury concerns and remaining contract.

It’s possible, and more likely, for Tarasenko to land in Calgary without Tkachuk going back to St. Louis in the deal. Getting right down to it, the trade would not have to include Tkachuk if the Blues are realistic about it. But an offer of Tarasenko and multiple draft picks/high-end prospects could get it done if Calgary thinks its situation with Tkachuk is already unsalvageable.