For weeks, there has been a debate about what the Blues should do at the trade deadline. Some believe that with the team being 17-20-8 and 7th in the Central Division, the move should be to sell expiring contracts and shift the focus to next season. Others feel that with the Blues only five points back of the final wild-card spot, they should be buyers at the deadline and try to make a push for the playoffs.
If these last two games have shown anything is that the Blues should be leaning more towards selling. But trading away some of the expiring contracts is not enough. The time has come for the Blues to dismantle the core they have had over the past few years. It's time for General Manager Doug Armstrong to turn the page and move to the next era of Blues hockey. But how will this be done, and who could be on their way out?
Why the time has come for the Blues to move on from this core
The struggles of this team go far beyond just this season. Over the last four seasons, the Blues have made the playoffs twice and have only one series. To make things look worse, last year's trip to the playoffs took a lot of luck. Over the last three months, they went 21-5-4, and even then, it took them having the tiebreaker over the Flames to get in. It's clear that this core is no longer able to make the deep runs it once did.
The Blues also have the next core of the team waiting in the wings. On their NHL roster, they have young players like Jimmy Snuggerud, Jake Neighbors, Otto Stenberg, Philip Broberg, and Logan Mailloux. They also have young players in the system, like Justin Carbonneau and Theo Lindstein, who are close to becoming regular contributors at the NHL level. All of these young players can help the Blues return to one of the best teams in the West.
These players have the potential to fill major roles for the Blues; they just need time to develop. The best way for them to develop is for them to have as much ice time as possible at the NHL level. Moving on from veterans, as well as from players who will not have roles when these young players take over, creates these opportunities. It will open spots in the top six and on higher pairings, giving these young players the chance to develop and prove themselves.
Players who should be on the move at this upcoming deadline are Jordan Binnington and Brayden Schenn. Both of these players have been the foundation of the Blues for years, and moving them would be a clear sign that they are turning the page. Other guys who should be moved either at the deadline or during the summer are Pavel Buchnevich, Colton Parayko, and Jordan Kyrou. All of these players should yield the Blues a decent return, supplementing the new core.
While it's hard to say goodbye to key players, it's the best move for the future. It's a move that will help the Blues get competitive again soon.