The St. Louis Blues are once again making headlines amid growing Jordan Kyrou trade rumors. The team currently sits at the bottom of the Central Division with a 5-8-3 record, and Kyrou’s situation has only added to the buzz after he was a healthy scratch in the Blues’ 3-0 win over the Buffalo Sabres last week.
With the team struggling, reports suggest that GM Doug Armstrong has told other teams he is “open for business,” signaling a willingness to make moves to shake up the situation. But according to one insider, there’s some bad news for Armstrong on that front.
What’s the Bad News for St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong?
On the FN Barn Burner podcast, NHL insider Darren Dreger discussed the Blues’ recurring pattern of trading players to spark better performances.
Dreger noted that St. Louis often reaches a point where management decides it’s time for a shake-up, leaning on veterans until it no longer works, then shifting toward younger talent. “I’m (Armstrong) going to start moving bodies and we we’re going to take this organization in different direction.” Dreger said.
He pointed out the team’s inconsistency this season, saying that while the St. Louis Blues have had solid efforts, like their 3-2 win over the Oilers last week, they continue to follow strong performances with poor ones. Dreger said Jordan Kyrou’s scratch was meant to send a message, as his play has dipped and he hasn’t looked fully healthy.
“And when you do it with a player of that significance, you’re sending the message to everybody on that bench, it’s going to be you next. Like, wake up. Like, what are we doing?” Dreger said.
However, Dreger also revealed the bad news for GM Doug Armstrong. While Armstrong may want to make moves, the market isn’t in his favor right now. “So honestly, I think that’s what it’s all about. Whatever we’re talking about, Braden Schenn, other pieces, Kyrou, just name any Blues player you want, he (Blues GM Armstrong) wants penthouse value for these guys. That’s what he wants. And he’s not going to get it 15 games into the year.” Dreger said.
In short, the Blues might want to retool their roster, but they won’t be able to command significant returns for their players this early in the year.
Next up, the St. Louis Blues will try to turn things around when they face the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night.
