St. Louis Blues: What makes Alexander Steen the ideal replacement for GM?
The news broke, leaving some surprised. Alexander Steen is an official GM in training, set to replace St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong in two years.
Alexander Steen was one of a kind for Blues fans.
Really, across the league, his name garnered respect as a dedicated NHL player.
The son of former hockey player Thomas Steen, Alexander has been around the game his entire life.
Steen had some great seasons as a player, notably with the St. Louis Blues.
He had two statistical seasons of 60 points or higher:
His most significant achievement came in 2019, winning the Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues.
Steen is a reliable former player who holds high expectations for himself
Current GM Doug Armstrong is one of NHL history's most successful general managers.
Armstrong's decision to step away in two seasons shocked several people, but appointing Alexander Steen as his replacement was the right choice.
The St. Louis Blues fanbase, one of the most loyal in the league, has a soft spot for veteran Blues players.
Steen's commitment to St. Louis during his playing career carries substantial weight, which can help the fanbase trust him as a future leader.
Steen served as an alternate captain, helping lead several rosters throughout his decade-plus as a player in St. Louis. Such a position must not go unnoticed.
Steen's spot on the Cup-winning team, which won the first and only championship in St. Louis Blues history, is also a factor that raises great expectations for Steen and his future as a GM.
Steen knows the Blues' history, including the expectations, and has experienced first-hand what it takes to win it all.
Steen has the potential to develop and sustain strong bonds with the team's stars, as long as they remain, especially with Robert Thomas as the focal point.
Overall, Steen brings leadership and dedication to St. Louis to the role. More telling, he will learn from one of the most successful GMs in league history, seeking to learn from Armstrong while putting his own finishing touch on the managerial position.
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