The calendar is about to switch over to March, and all eyes are on the upcoming trade deadline on March 7. What exactly are the St. Louis Blues going to do? Will they be buyers, or will they be sellers?
At present, there is no definite rumor stating what General Manager Doug Armstrong is planning to do, and that unknown intention is terrifying at this point. As close as this team is to making the playoffs, they cannot retain this current roster and expect to do much of anything if they sneak in. Changes have to be made, but the type of change is still a mystery.
A week to go, and no rumblings?
At this point, it is fairly common to see what direction a team will be going at the trade deadline. If a team is in a playoff spot currently or is on the cusp of a wildcard spot, it is an opportunity to dump some dead-weight or draft stock for elite talent who is facing an expired contract at the end of the season.
The only tangible rumbling that is coming out of St. Louis is that Captain Brayden Schenn may be on his way out. That's it. There have been so many different reports and rumors swirling about his potential trade from the Blues or his future staying as the Blues captain.
Leading up to the deadline
The Blues have four more games yet to be played before March 7. Yes, the Blues face the Anaheim Ducks on the seventh, but it is long past the deadline has ended. These next four games are going to be tell-all, as the season's future is riding on it. At 27-26-6 for 60 points, they are still five points behind the Vancouver Canucks for the last wildcard spot.
Currently, they are on a nice four-game point streak. That certainly helps, but it means nothing if they cannot continue to pick up points, or better yet wins, in these next four match-ups. If they fall behind even further, there might not be a point to try and buy anyone at the deadline, and instead sell.
This next month is going to be a big momentum swing for the season. Will the Blues be able to make their intentions known in a timely manner, or will they try to scrounge up some last-minute deals to try and salvage the season?