St. Louis Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong appears to be orchestrating a complex, two-pronged strategy as the team navigates a challenging season. With the Blues currently struggling in the Central Division, Armstrong has reportedly indicated that the team is "open for business," fueling trade speculation. However, this isn't simply a fire sale, but rather a calculated approach with both short-term and long-term objectives.
Armstrong's first goal is to shake up the team's current dynamic and try to salvage the season. The Blues have underperformed, and Armstrong may be looking to inject some new energy and talent into the roster through strategic trades. This could involve acquiring players who can immediately contribute and address specific needs within the team.
Simultaneously, Armstrong is focused on preparing the franchise for a seamless transition to a new era of leadership. It's widely anticipated that this will be Armstrong's final year as GM, with his protégé, former Blues player Alex Steen, expected to take over the reins. Armstrong's decisions are therefore being viewed through the lens of ensuring Steen inherits a team that is well-structured, competitive, and possesses a strong foundation for sustained success.
Several prominent players, including Brayden Schenn, Jordan Kyrou, Pavel Buchnevich and Justin Faulk, have been mentioned in trade rumors. However, Armstrong is not expected to simply give away valuable assets. He will likely demand a significant return for any players he parts with, ensuring that Steen has a strong base to build upon. This approach reflects Armstrong's long-held philosophy of prioritizing long-term stability over quick fixes. As Elliotte Friedman noted, it's unlikely that Armstrong would take any action that would put Steen in a disadvantageous position.
Armstrong's past actions demonstrate his ability to make impactful trades. For example, the acquisition of Ryan O'Reilly in 2018 proved to be a pivotal move that helped the Blues win the Stanley Cup in 2019. More recently, his signing of Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg has the potential to pay dividends in the future.
Looking ahead to the offseason, Armstrong has expressed confidence in retaining goaltender Joel Hofer, viewing him as a key part of the Blues' future. He also acknowledged the possibility of trading the Blues' 19th overall draft pick for an NHL-ready player, but emphasized the importance of staying true to the team's vision of building around players aged 20-25. Furthermore, the arrival of Swedish defenseman prospect Theo Lindstein adds to the team's defensive depth and potential.
Overall, Doug Armstrong is employing a dual-track strategy that addresses both the immediate challenges facing the St. Louis Blues and the long-term goal of setting up Alex Steen for success. By carefully evaluating trade opportunities and making strategic decisions, Armstrong aims to leave a lasting legacy with the organization.
