Welcome to NHL Rumours! We are one day closer to the NHL Trade Deadline. Teams have chosen their paths, while others are still unsure. Today’s rumour looks at the St. Louis Blues, who apparently have chosen their path for their deadline plans.
All rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
St. Louis Blues Deadline Plans
Rumour: On 101 ESPN on Tuesday, Joe Vitale, a radio color analyst for the Blues, talked about the Blues deadline plans. Vitale said the Blues are not going to trade captain Brayden Schenn. Furthermore, Vitale said that general manager Doug Armstrong may even look to improve the team on or before Friday via trade.
Analysis: Few will be surprised. After the 4 Nations break, the Blues returned to action and have gone 4-1-1. Three of the four wins have come against teams destined for the playoffs. A team seemingly on track to miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs prior to the break suddenly finds itself as close as ever.
However, until today, it was still unclear what the Blues would do. There was interest in Schenn from the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Vegas Golden Knights, and possibly other teams. Jordan Binnington and Colton Parayko‘s names came up following their performances during the 4 Nations Face-Off. Finally, Jordan Kyrou and Pavel Buchnevich were even mentioned due to Armstrong’s apparent interest in shedding cap.
Vitale is not the first to suggest the Blues may not be selling. The 32 Thoughts Podcast mentioned the same in their show on Monday. However, as Vitale is with the Blues inside the facility, hearing it from him makes it seem more definite.
The Vibe in the Building
Vitale also talked about the mood among the Blues players, coaches, and personnel. The team is feeling confident at the moment, which makes sense considering its 4-1-1 record since the break. The team seems to believe it is a playoff team and is excited to make a run. This ties into the rumour surrounding Ryan Suter wanting to stay in St. Louis beyond this season, as he believes the team can be a playoff team.
Vitale mentioned that what is driving the team right now is not where they are right now but where they believe they are headed. Right now, the team is outside the playoffs. However, based on Vitale’s comment, that does not phase them.
Buyers?
Without a doubt, the mention of Armstrong looking to add at the deadline was stunning. It is one thing to keep the team together and make a run. However, it is an entirely other thing to look to add. Of course, the Blues will not trade for Brady Tkachuk or Ryan O’Reilly. The trade they make, if any, will be for a depth player. Armstrong did this in 2019 by adding Michael Del Zotto as defensive depth.
Unlike 2019, Armstrong is looking to add a forward. Who that forward is, we cannot say. Pat Maroon would bring some grit to the roster. Perhaps the “Hometown Hero” from 2019 will come back? Time will tell.
Main Photo: Jerome Miron- Imagn Images
The post NHL Rumours: St. Louis Blues Deadline Plans appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.