Blues acquire Soshnikov

[gaijin]

Blues acquire Nikita Soshnikov from Toronto for a 4th round pick in 2019.

https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/blues-ac ... -296004004

[cardsfan04]

What am I missing here? Not that I care much about a 4th round pick, but I'm missing the logic on this one. He has 14 career points, is on IR, doesn't have a US visa, and (as far as I can tell) is only under contract through this season.

[glen a richter]

Depth move because someone from San Antonio is coming up on a more permanent basis and they need someone to replace the roster spot down there?

[theohall]

Soshnikov was recalled from a "conditioning stint" Feb 12 where he scored 2 goals and 3 assists in 5 games. When he was recalled, the Leafs kept him on IR due to roster spot limitations. There is a loophole in the CBA where team doctors are required to say a player is ready to return, but the CBA doesn't state "when" the doctors have to give the OK.

Depth move for San Antonio, IMO. Doesn't fit into the Blues roster since he is yet another left-handed shot, 3rd/4th line type player. The last type of forward the Blues need.


Hockey's Future Report

Talent Analysis
Soshnikov is an undersized, but highly-skilled forward who can dart in and out of plays quickly. He likes to go to the net and is consistently looking for ways to create scoring chances. He is not overly physical and will sometimes be overmatched in one-on-one battles due to his lack of bulk. He is a high-energy forward.

Future
Soshnikov made a smooth transition from Russia to North America in 2015-16, skating in 11 games with the Maple Leafs and playing a strong two-way game for the AHL's Toronto Marlies. An undersized but highly-skilled forward, he will push for a spot in training camp but may start the 2016-17 season in the AHL. Soshnikov is not a pure scorer but projects as the type of smaller, skilled forward that can be effective in all three zones.

In other words, exactly the type of player Yeo won't play.

[WaukeeBlues]

Yea I'm missing the logic on this one too. Clearly a depth move and only a 4th round pick but... why? Meh.

[glen a richter]

It appears Soshnikov will be in the lineup tomorrow... I guess we'll see what we'll see. Maybe he'll flourish playing with Berglund and Steen though my money isn't on that.

[gaijin]

Soshnikov activated, Thompson and Schmaltz recalled. Blais and Butler sent down.

Smells like desperation.

[theohall]

Soshnikov 70 NHL games. 7 G 7A. Not much of an answer to a lack of scoring.

Sundqvist is who needs to be sent down. Instead, the Blues will just keep moving the same players back and forth, vice moving the guys down/scratching those who aren't producing.

We'll see if Schmaltz has pulled his head out of his butt and learned how to compete at the NHL level. I still have my doubts.