As the New York Rangers continue their quest to replace Pavel Buchnevich, the talented forward has secured a significant milestone by agreeing to a six-year, $48 million contract extension with the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday.
It has been nearly three years since Buchnevich was traded to the Blues on July 23, 2021. During this time, he has maintained an impressive point-per-game pace, amassing 206 points in 216 regular-season games. Buchnevich has consistently scored at least 26 goals in each of his three seasons with the Blues, including a career-high 30 in the 2021-22 NHL season, earning himself a substantial payday in St. Louis.
While the Rangers have achieved notable success since trading Buchnevich, including three consecutive 100-point seasons, a Presidents’ Trophy, and two trips to the Eastern Conference Final, they have struggled to effectively replace him on the line centered by Mika Zibanejad.
Zibanejad and his linemate Chris Kreider have posted impressive statistics, but they have not found consistent chemistry with any of the numerous right wings who have attempted to fill Buchnevich’s role. Despite efforts from players like Frank Vatrano, who performed well after being acquired before the 2022 trade deadline, the Rangers have not replicated the chemistry Buchnevich shared with Zibanejad.
Various players, including Patrick Kane, Vladimir Tarasenko, Kaapo Kakko, Blake Wheeler, Jimmy Vesey, and Dryden Hunt, have attempted to replace Buchnevich without success. However, there have been positive developments, such as Alexis Lafreniere’s 28-goal season after switching to right wing, albeit not alongside Zibanejad.
Meanwhile, Buchnevich has maintained a consistent performance with the Blues, ranking second on the team over the past three seasons with 83 goals and 123 assists. His extension solidifies his position as a cornerstone player for the Blues through the 2030-31 season, where he will become the third-highest paid player on the team starting in the 2025-26 season.
