Make Or Break Year For St. Louis Blues GM

St. Louis Blues GM, Doug Armstrong, has built a team for the regular season. Unfortunately, that does not always translate into a playoff-caliber squad. With early playoff exits come disgruntled fans, and his seat may be heating up if a better showing in the postseason does not materialize in 2016.

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Armstrong is not afraid to make controversial moves, as seen with the trade of alternate captain and fan-favorite, T.J. Oshie. He will now ply his trade at right wing for the Washington Capitals, while Troy Brouwer will lace up the skates for the St. Louis Blues this season. Armstrong is through with playing favorites, and wants to win as soon as possible.

According to the St. Louis Blues official site, Armstrong began his St. Louis Blues career in 2008 as the Vice President of Player Personnel. In 2010 he became the Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations, before becoming the President of Hockey Operations and General Manager/Alternate Governor in 2013.

While re-signing the St. Louis Blues’ star forward, Vladimir Tarasenko, to a $60 million, 8 year deal is a key move to continue to compete now and in the future, it may not be enough. The analysis of the winners and losers of his deal can be read here on Bleedin Blue. The talent level on the team is high, but the lack of a true superstar may hinder them from playing hockey well into the postseason. Tarasenko is their closest player to that superstar status, but is only 23 and has a great deal of development left.

Allowing another alternate captain, Barrett Jackman, to depart also raises questions about the leadership of the team moving forward. Team captain David Backes will still wear the Note, but his minutes on the top lines for the Blues may dwindle this year.

I applaud some of the trades and draft selections made under the Armstrong regime, most notably the drafting of Vladimir Tarasenko and Jaden Schwartz. The squad he assembled has also made the playoffs each year since 2012. That being said, the Blues have failed to move past the second round of the playoffs in that run, and have lost in the first round the past two seasons.

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Divisional titles may become bullet points on Armstrong’s resume, but they fail to impress a loyal fanbase that has yet to experience a Stanley Cup title. Tom Stillman, St. Louis Blues owner, may be compelled to look elsewhere if his club fails to make a splash in the postseason again this year.

St. Louis Blues head coach, Ken Hitchcock, has signed on for another season. With only a one-year deal in his back pocket, he may also be shown the door with one more disappointing finish to the campaign. Granted, the blame must be passed around between ownership, management, coaching staff, and players, but it all starts from the top, which may cause Armstrong to go on the job hunt in 2016 along with Ken Hitchcock.

The past few years of playoff woes will all be forgiven and forgotten if the St. Louis Blues lift Lord Stanley’s fabled cup for the first time in club history, but it is a long road to that victory parade.

Next: Hitchcock Needs A Stanley Cup