If the Blues are out of playoff contention near the deadline, trading Faksa would normally be the correct move. But what are they getting back: a third-round pick? He’s still only 31 years old, and as a veteran player with a high work ethic, he might be someone the Blues want to bring back as their fourth-line center next season.

While teams did not claim Saad when he hit waivers, the reason for it was his $4.5 million cap hit until the end of 2025-26. However, now that he is hitting the free-agent market, plenty of clubs should be willing to sign him to a far more affordable deal,