The St. Louis Blues are facing a pivotal offseason, with General Manager Alex Steen at the helm. With a mix of veteran trades and a strong finish to the season, the Blues are poised for a strategic shift. Here's a breakdown of their key decisions and the potential paths forward.
Choosing a Direction
Steen's first challenge is defining the Blues' future. The team's late-season surge, coupled with the trades of Justin Faulk and Brayden Schenn, presents an intriguing dilemma. The Blues now have three first-round picks in the upcoming draft, offering flexibility. Steen must decide between maintaining the status quo, reversing course, or embarking on a rebuild or retooling journey.
A full-scale rebuild, while tempting, may be risky given the team's recent success. The Blues could target younger talent, but the cost of such moves could be significant. Alternatively, a retooling approach, focusing on retaining key players like Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou, offers a more gradual path to competitiveness.
Extension Negotiations
One of the Blues' priorities is securing extensions for their young core players. Jake Neighbours, a top-six winger, is a prime candidate. With a qualifying offer of $4MM and a history of strong production, Neighbours is a valuable asset. An extension negotiation could aim for a long-term deal, potentially around $6.5MM to $6.75MM annually, building upon the Holloway contract as a benchmark.
Goalie Decision
The Blues' goaltending situation is another critical area. Joel Hofer and Jordan Binnington have similar contract lengths, but the team must decide on their starter for the future. Hofer's strong late-season performance suggests he should be the full-time starter, allowing Binnington to be traded for value. The Blues can then explore extensions for Hofer, using comparables like Vejmelka, Luukkonen, or Daccord as a foundation.
Coaching Staff Overhaul
The coaching staff also requires attention. The departure of Claude Julien and Mike Weber signals a potential shift in strategy. Steve Ott's role is uncertain, with the team considering his future in the minors or a return to the bench. A rebuild may lean towards younger assistants, while a retooling approach could bring in veteran coaches to support the team's resurgence.
As the Blues navigate this offseason, Steen's decisions will shape their future. The team's ability to choose the right path will determine their success in the coming years, with a mix of strategic moves and careful planning.
