Doug Armstrong seems like a person with one eye on the current — and the opposite on the way forward for the St. Louis Blues. As Elliotte Friedman noted on 32 Thoughts, this is perhaps Armstrong’s ultimate season as GM earlier than Alex Steen takes over, and the veteran govt isn’t about to go away his protégé in a foul spot.
“I simply can’t consider for a second that Armstrong would do something that leaves Steen in a worse place,” Friedman stated. “He’s labored arduous to place him in place to achieve success.”
This comes amidst speak that Armstrong is perhaps prepared to commerce some key names on the Blues’ roster, together with Jordan Kyrou, Brayden Schenn, Pavel Buchnevich, and Justin Faulk. Clearly, he’s not going to dump the property and the asking costs will likely be extraordinarily excessive, if for no different cause than as a result of he needs the perfect return for Steen’s staff transferring ahead.
Setting The Blues Up For Steen Shaping Trades in St. Louis
Armstrong’s not afraid to rattle cages — Friedman reminded listeners of the time in 2019 when the GM despatched out a mock “Christmas Sale” memo to his friends, hinting that gamers have been accessible. That yr, he didn’t tear it down. As a substitute, the Blues rallied and gained the Stanley Cup.
This appears like the same playbook. Names like Brayden Schenn have surfaced in commerce chatter, however Armstrong’s message is obvious: if you’d like his captain, you’d higher have a stable provide.
Armstrong has at all times valued long-term stability over fast fixes. If that is certainly his ultimate lap as GM, he appears intent on handing off a staff that’s structured, aggressive, and assured — not one in mid-rebuild chaos.
Subsequent: Disgruntled Star Winger Seen as a Match for the Toronto Maple Leafs
