Blues Rumors: St. Louis Expected To Move A Defenseman

The St. Louis Blues find themselves with a surplus of defensemen after successfully acquiring Philip Broberg through an offer sheet from the Edmonton Oilers, as reported by Matthew DeFranks of STLTODAY.com. 

With Broberg's addition, the Blues now have 10 defensemen on one-way contracts, including veterans like Justin Faulk, Colton Parayko, Nick Leddy, and Torey Krug, as well as younger players such as Scott Perunovich and Pierre-Olivier Joseph. 

The team is expected to keep no more than eight defensemen on their NHL roster, which means tough decisions lie ahead, particularly given Krug's uncertain status due to a pre-arthritic ankle condition that might require season-ending surgery.

"I'm very excited to be a Blue."

Philip Broberg on how it feels to head to St. Louis. pic.twitter.com/q0RxLol5Rs

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 20, 2024

To address this logjam, Blues GM Doug Armstrong has several options at his disposal. 

A trade appears to be a plausible solution, especially with the depth and talent the Blues now possess on defense. Moving a veteran like Leddy or Parayko could provide the team with valuable cap relief or future assets, helping to balance the roster as they transition from their older core to a younger, more dynamic lineup. 

"I felt that this was a better opportunity for me personally... St. Louis is building something special. It's got a good young core group of guys so I'm excited to be part of that."

-Dylan Holloway discusses his decision to sign the @StLouisBlues' offer sheet. pic.twitter.com/37jTI4uRrS

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) August 21, 2024

Alternatively, younger defensemen like Joseph, Tyler Tucker, or Matthew Kessel could be sent to the AHL, though this would only be a temporary fix to the crowded blueline.

Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports