Breaking: Doug Armstrong faced with big decision to figure out right now
The offseason brings critical choices for St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong. One particularly interesting dilemma could significantly impact the Blues future, either positively or negatively.
Doug Armstrong, General Manager, has never shied away from making harsh decisions. There are numerous examples, ranging from firing head coaches like Craig Berube to enabling veterans to leave through free agency.
This offseason is no exception, with no key free agents slated to depart the St. Louis Blues.
There is one essential decision that Armstrong must make.
The St. Louis Blues need to either commit or seek to deal Jordan Kyrou
Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas are the team’s most highly compensated players. Kyrou led the St. Louis Blues in goals this year, but lost support from fans owing to a strained relationship with former coach Craig Berube.
Kyrou’s numbers have similarly decreased over the last three seasons.
Armstrong’s decision on Kyrou is critical since he has a no-trade clause in his contract that will take effect in 2025.
Despite declining numbers, Kyrou remains an All-Star (2022) and can still score the puck.
Several teams might benefit from his play, elevating their rosters to genuine contenders in their respective divisions.
Utah, the Chicago Blackhawks, the Anaheim Ducks, and the Los Angeles Kings are all enticing trade options with plenty of cap room.
Utah is a new NHL setting, making it ideal for players like Kyrou seeking a fresh start.
An ideal circumstance for Kyrou would be with a playoff contender like Los Angeles. Kyrou may start soon and add solid skills to an already impressive team.
What is the likelihood of Jordan Kyrou being traded?
Kyrou’s deal is important, but not gigantic when compared to other players in the league.
Aside from his emotional interview following Craig Berube’s firing, Kyrou has remained pretty silent.
More telling, hockey pundits and observers continue to assume that Armstrong will make a Kyrou deal before matters worsen.
Sometimes a pairing does not work out. The best strategy is to be compassionate for Kyrou, regardless of your feelings about him. The fandom is about evenly divided on whether to keep or trade him.
Playing in such a setting is difficult and practically becomes a mental game for any professional athlete.
Armstrong has some difficult decisions to make. He expected Kyrou and Thomas to develop together and conquer the Central Division. However, Kyrou’s current performance and the harsh feedback he has gotten from Blues supporters may compel him to make a significant adjustment.
One thing is certain: it is not fair to Kyrou to be uncertain about his future in St. Louis, nor is it appropriate for supporters to speculate about who their team is constructed and focused around.
If Armstrong is going to trade Kyrou, he needs to do it this offseason. Alternatively, if he wants to keep him, he must vocally support Kyrou and seek to make moves to build up Kyrou’s confidence, which he may already have done by naming Drew Bannister the head coach.
