Even with a great week, the right thing for the Blues is to be sellers instead of buyers at the trade deadline. Back to back shutouts, 14 goals in the past four games, three wins vs. playoff caliber teams and the St. Louis Blues are sitting in a Wild Card playoff position.
Photo By: Brianna O’Mara
Doug Armstrong made his first move when he gave Mike Yeo the keys on a permanent basis – a few months ahead of schedule. Now he has to decide what the roster will look like down the stretch.
Since firing Ken Hitchcock, it could appear the Blues are on track to make a run in a playoff race. Falling in love after only a few games could be dangerous for a GM with only one year remaining on his contract.
This roster is not a Stanley Cup contender the way it sits today. It will take more than what is available at the deadline to change that, thus St. Louis should be deadline dealers this year.
The key trade piece is Kevin Shattenkirk. The defenseman was expected to be moved at 
last year’s draft, but without a willing buyer he has worn the blue note again this season. Now is the time to move him, even if he is in the team’s future plans; a trade now doesn’t preclude resigning him in free agency.
Even with scoring near the top of their conference, their equal strength play and goaltending leave more questions than answers. Jake Allen has lost all confidence and Carter Hutton has shown why he is a career backup. They are one of five teams in the NHL giving up over three goals a game.
Photo By: Brianna O’Mara
Losing Robby Fabbri to a torn ACL for the season only sustains their need to further down the road than just the current campaign.
When looking at through all the statistical categories the Blues really make you wonder how close they are to a deep playoff run. While their special teams are near the top of the league, their 5-on-5 play is what leaves a lot to be desired.
They rank in the bottom half of the league in every traditional and analytical category when playing at even strength. Traditionally, strength with five guys on the ice is key to a deep playoff run when power plays become few and far between.
Unless you’re the Penguins, an in-season coaching change doesn’t usually produce immediate results. Armstrong would be better served selling off trade pieces, gaining draft picks and looking towards next season. With a core of Vladimir Tarasenko, Alex Pietrangelo, Alexander Steen and Fabbri, coupled with at least $12 million of salary cap space, the Blues can do some catching up after the 2017 Stanley Cup is raised.
You must be logged in to post a comment.