Blues Rumors: St Louis to Trade 2023 First-Round Pick

According to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, expect to see St Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong trade one of his first-round picks at the NHL Draft next week in Nashville. Seravalli doesn't see the Blues using all three picks and could be in the market to move one or even two of the draft choices.

The Blues are a team in transition and are looking to retool this summer. Armstrong doesn't want to tear it down as the core of the team is in their prime. Jordan Binnington is likely back in net and with Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou to build around up front, the Blues can easily get back into contention in the Western Conference. 

St Louis is expected to bring back ex-captain Ryan O'Reilly. He was dealt as part of a mid-season blockbuster to the Toronto Maple Leafs and now as a pending unrestricted free agent could be on his way back 'home'. O'Reilly is one of the best free agents available among a rather weak class so it will be interesting to see what the Blues offer. A team like the Columbus Blue Jackets could drive up the price.

As for their blue line, the Blues are trying to free up some money and have a number of defensemen with no-trade clauses. The most likely to go are Justin Faulk, Colton Parayko or Nick Leddy. 

Armstrong and the Blues are slated to pick 10th, 25th and 29th and while you'll likely see them at the podium for pick #10,  after that is anyone's guess.

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