Yes, the Blues could find some help on the trade mart. Teams are looking to move veterans.

If Keith Tkachuk struggles at center in Andy McDonald’s absence, John Davidson and Co. could have some options.

Playmaker Michael Nylander isn’t a Hockey Guy favorite – owing to his historically soft play – but he can really dish the puck. The Capitals are ready to move him to the Blackhawks if and when Chicago clears sufficient cap space.

(If I’m the Hawks, I don’t spend versatile Dustin Byfuglien to make that deal work, however.)

Restricted free-agent-to-be Jordan Staal would be a perfect building block for the Blues, but it appears the Penguins are ready to lock him into a lock-term extension.

Pittsburgh can really afford Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malking AND Staal? For now, apparently so.

ALEX THE GREAT

SoCal hockey fans weren’t disappointed by Alex Ovechkin’s appearance in Anaheim. He scored a goal and added three assists to lead the Capitals to a 6-4 victory over the Ducks.

That gave Ovechkin 14 points in five games. The man is good for hockey.

“A guy like Alex Ovechkin probably rubs off on everybody in the league,” Anaheim’s Bobby Ryan told reporters after the game. “You’re certainly excited to see him play and compete against him. He brings out his best every game and brings out the best in everybody around him.”

HELP IS ON THE WAY

For the second time this season, this collegiate prospect made the Hot List in The Hockey News:

Aaron Palushaj, RW – University of Michigan Wolverines (CCHA): Palushaj led the conference in assists last year as a freshman and now he leads the points crown with 20 in just 12 games. Drafted 44th overall by St. Louis in 2007.

LOOKING AHEAD

If the Blues sink because of injuries, this wouldn’t be the worst year to have one of the top two picks.

Central Scouting lists high-scoring Oshawa Generals forward John Tavares and NHL-ready Swedish offensive defenseman Victor Hedman at the top of the North American and European lists.

Hockey experts are already debating the relative merit of each prospect.

AROUND THE RINKS: Unsigned free agent Mats Sundin continues toying with Toronto and several other teams. Every day we hear he’s a bout to pick his suitor – and each passes without news. He has become the sport’s biggest flirt . . . If the Flyers can’t come up with enough money to please Brendan Shanahan, could the Blues get back into that chase? . . . Rick Tocchet’s first achievement as interim Lightning coach was get top draft pick Steve Stamkos more involved in the offense. He already looks like a different player . . . Peoria Rivermen forward Charles Linglet is showing signs of life again. He scored a goal, dished three assists and earned a plus-3 rating in his last three games after scoring no goals his first 12 games. “It’s been terribly frustrating, I’ve never had this hard a time to the start of a season in my career,” he told the Peoria Journal-Star. “I have not been playing well, and it’s hard not to think about it. I’m putting pressure on myself to contribute and I just haven’t been doing it.” . . . Old friend Cory Stillman could miss a lot of time in Florida. He is suffering from post-concussion syndrome . . . Looking to get Anze Kopitar going, Kings coach Terry Murray is flanking him with Patrick O’Sullivan and Dustin Brown.