One of the pervasive rumors surrounding the St. Louis Blues in the final stretch of this season has been a potential departure of Doug Armstrong. In particular, the sudden opening of the GM role for the Toronto Maple Leafs has fueled wild speculation about Armstrong bolting for greener pastures.
But that’s a rumor that one notable insider laid to rest.
During the April 4 edition of Saturday Headlines, insider Elliotte Friedman addressed the Maple Leafs’ GM search. In particular, he discussed Armstrong’s potential arrival in Toronto. Friedman laid the chatter to rest by making it clear that the timing just wasn’t right for a move like that.
“It just doesn’t seem like the timing is right for the Blues and the Maple Leafs, and for Doug Armstrong.”
Of course, as Friedman pointed out, anything can change. As such, while not impossible, it’s unlikely that Armstrong could be leaving St. Louis for Toronto.
As for the “timing,” Friedman didn’t expound on the matter. But reading between the lines, there’s room to elucidate on why the timing is off.
Armstrong not actually leaving Blues
The timing would be different if Armstrong were actually leaving the Blues. But he’s not. Armstrong is leaving the full-time GM duties for a different role within the organization. As such, the Maple Leafs would have to get permission from the Blues to speak with Armstrong. As Friedman made clear, that has not happened yet.
As such, the interest from Toronto may be there, but it’s just not happening, at least not now.
The other thing to keep in mind is that St. Louis is still transitioning. Alex Steen hasn’t fully taken over. Now, it doesn’t seem like Steen needs Armstrong to hold his hand. But you would have to think that the Blues carefully planned this succession.
Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs are looking to get through their GM search as quickly as possible. That’s why a hasty departure by Armstrong just isn’t in the cards. Armstrong and the Blues won’t likely want to abruptly end the planned transition.
Perhaps if the Maple Leafs were willing to wait longer, say until after the opening of free agency on July 1, Armstrong might make more sense. But that doesn’t seem to be the case at this point.
Again, nothing is set in stone, and things can change with one phone call. But as it stands, it doesn’t seem likely that the St. Louis Blues will be losing their longtime GM and team executive. Time will tell the direction the Maple Leafs and the Nashville Predators go in their ongoing GM searches.