Marco Scandella’s time with the Blues should come to an end
The 34-year-old blueliner wasn’t going to score much in the points realm, and he just has eight in 60 games this season. But Marco Scandella’s time in St. Louis should be over now that guys like Tyler Tucker and Scott Perunovich should be ready to roll. Further, Matt Kessel’s extension should also spell the end for Scandella as a member of the Blues.
Other than Perunovich, who should get a qualifying offer as a restricted free agent following the season, St. Louis could be set, as they have six blueliners ready to return next year. You can bump that number up to seven once Perunovich re-signs, and this would leave Scandella as the odd man out in the lineup.
Look for the Blues to bring in one defenseman to serve as competition for the seven blueliners who should be in the projected lineup next year while Scandella finishes his career elsewhere. He’s already seeing himself scratched from the lineup, so this should serve as a foreshadowing of what will come in the offseason.
Overall, the Blues shouldn’t miss any of the above players, as they either already have or will sign their respective replacements, preferably both. Thinking long-term, letting these players walk will serve the organization’s best interests as they get a little younger next season.
(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)