St. Louis Blues: Trade Market Is Actually Likeliest Route In Offseason

The St. Louis Blues finally have some money to spend this offseason, so fans are hungry to enter the free agent market. The issue is that the team actually has little room on the roster for outside help.

It’s interesting how quickly opinions and ideas come to you while researching other ideas. While looking for salary cap information on the St. Louis Blues, it struck me how few options they might actually have in the free agent market.

Fans won’t like that idea since they’re desperate to land John Tavares. We can, and will, go into whether that is a good idea or not as the offseason rolls along. For now, though, the focus might need to shift to trade bait rather than simple new additions.

The problem for the Blues is the realization of who Doug Armstrong is. I’m one of his biggest supporters, but he likes certain players and also wants flexibility. So, there are bound to be certain names returning, simply because they are inexpensive.

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Scottie Upshall and Kyle Brodziak are names that are likely out. I would say one or the other, maybe even both should return, but for argument’s sake, let us say they are free to walk. That still might not open up much.

St. Louis is going to give looks to guys like Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas this coming season. Whether they stick is up to them and the coaching staff. You have to pencil those guys into slots though, which takes spots and dollars away from free agency.

You also have Klim Kostin, who fans forget about, but were high on just months ago. Sammy Blais might get a long look so see if he can cut it with a full-time role.

Zach Sanford will get into this lineup, if healthy, too. You see where I am going with this, as roster space is drying up.

You do have to do what is best for the team right now. However, Armstrong always has the eye to tomorrow, so you know he won’t want to block guys for much longer.

Then there is the issue of who’s left to dump. I hate being cold-hearted, but I would say it is time to cut bait on Dmitrij Jaskin.

He’s had a strong World Championships though and Armstrong will be looking for inexpensive options. Jaskin is going to fit that bill, so he could be back.

Oskar Sundqvist and Nikita Soshnikov are also restricted free agents. I’d like to see Soshnikov back, but the Blues would have to let him walk as well just to create some roster space.

If you let all those names walk, you would clear up around $4 million. Combine that with the Paul Stastny space and you probably do have enough money to make a run at Tavares.

You have to ask yourself whether Tavares and, potentially, two rookies are enough. I say no.

Tavares is great, but 2017-18 showed that an injury here or there and the Blues depth dried up quickly. If you lose four players and only replace them with three, even if the top end is better, the team is not overall.

The Blues are going to have to look at trades. They don’t have to blow this squad up like some think, but it does need some overhaul.

One big name is not going to make the difference. As much as we are excited about the prospects, they might not be ready.

Additionally, you know that Armstrong won’t be able to help himself. He’s going to make qualifying offers to some.

Also, Joel Edmundson is a pending restricted free agent. That’s going to take more money away from the free agent pool.

I’m not saying don’t go after Tavares. St. Louis needs either a top center and second line wing or top wing and second line center, if you think Brayden Schenn works as your top center.

Next: Doug Armstrong Started Strong, But Coasted To His Grade

They’re not going to have the money to make all those additions in free agency. They might not even have the roster space if the GM actually gives some of the kids looks, which they deserve.

So, more space is needed and that means clearing out some via a trade. Whether or not Armstrong can pull that off will determine a lot about what this team can and will do.

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