3 strategies the St. Louis Blues can pursue in the 2024 offseason

Under-the-radar moves while promoting prospects would be fun to watch

This would be the hybrid approach and perhaps even the one that makes the most sense. It would involve perhaps just one blockbuster trade in the offseason, a move that will bring in a high draft pick for 2025, and ideally, an A-prospect and a B-prospect. 

But that would be it, and maybe with a trade that would also free up more cap space if Armstrong also opts to bring in a young stopgap or two via free agency. But there would also be room to call up younger talent full-time, and the Blues seem to be in the process of doing that with so many now with the big club. 

The recent contract extension involving Matthew Kessel is another indicator that Armstrong could be going in this direction. If he lets his few unrestricted free agents walk and doesn’t look to make many big trades this summer, it provides even more evidence that he’s going in this direction. 

The downside here is that the Blues wouldn’t be serious contenders next season, or at least that would be the case on paper. But if they want to replenish the lineup without looking as though they are tanking, this hybrid route would be the way to go.