The “Open for Business” sign is hanging on Doug Armstrong’s door… again. For St. Louis Blues fans, this is a familiar story. The veteran GM has a history of floating this phrase to his peers, only to stand pat, trusting his core to find its game. But as an insider, I’m telling you, this time feels different. The foundation in St. Louis is cracking, and Armstrong knows it.
Sure, Armstrong has seen this exact core, or variations of it, “dig itself out of deep holes” before. But that was then. This is now. The Blues aren’t just in a slump; they’re grappling with an identity crisis. They are only four points out of a wildcard spot, but the eye test tells a much grimmer story. The team looks disjointed, and the frustration is palpable.
Analyzing the St. Louis Blues’ Trade Candidates: Kyrou and Schenn
This brings us to the players. The report of a team calling about Jordan Kyrou following his healthy scratch is the real headline. Kyrou is supposed to be a cornerstone, not a healthy scratch. His lucrative eight-year deal, complete with a full no-trade clause that just kicked in, makes him an incredibly complicated asset. A team calling after a healthy scratch is telling; they’re sensing friction, and “buy low” opportunities on 28-year-old scoring wingers are rare. Armstrong may not be shopping Kyrou, but he’s certainly listening, and that’s a significant shift.
Then there’s the captain, Brayden Schenn. He was a hot name last deadline before he reaffirmed his commitment. But loyalty has its limits, especially when the ship is sinking. Schenn’s 15-team no-trade list makes him infinitely easier to move than Kyrou. His value lies in his grit and leadership, which championship-contending teams crave. If the Blues fall further out, moving Schenn for a significant return might be the most logical, albeit painful, reset button.
Where the St. Louis Blues Go From Here
Don’t get me wrong. Armstrong is right to wait. You don’t get fair value in November when most teams are still figuring themselves out. But he’s not just listening; he’s planting seeds. He’s gauging the market for his most difficult assets. If the St. Louis Blues don’t string together a significant winning streak by Christmas, I fully expect Armstrong to transition from a listener to an active seller. This isn’t just about a playoff spot anymore; it’s about defining the next five years for the St. Louis Blues.
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The post St. Louis Blues “Open for Business”: Why This Time It’s Different appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
